“I simply see it as our responsibility in the club business”: Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Setting-Based Harm Reduction Structures in Night Clubs in Berlin

Berlin's techno party scene faces challenges of high alcohol and substance consumption associated with health and social issues, including intoxication and (sexual) violence. Recognising these challenges, the scene has evolved "Awareness Structures" (AS), on-site peer-led structures aiming to address patrons' well-being during club events. This study explores currently operating AS in techno clubs in Berlin, focussing on facilitators and barriers of the effective implementation of AS as structures to prevent harm to patrons. Between September and October 2023, seven semi-structured expert interviews, including five individual interviews, one paired interview, and one focus group interview were conducted with three key stakeholder groups: techno club managers (n = 3), event collective representatives (n = 4), and Awareness Persons (AP) working within AS (n = 6). The interviews explored stakeholders' perceptions about facilitators and barriers of currently operating AS. Data analysis followed force-field analysis combined with a qualitative content analysis method, applying a deductive-inductive strategy. The key stakeholders identified several facilitators that enhance the effective implementation of AS in techno clubs in Berlin as well as barriers that hinder its effective implementation that were categorized onto three levels: individual, operational, and organisational. Perceived facilitators included the qualified expertise of AP and additional training for other club staff, the reduced occurrence of severe incidents post-implementation, supervision for AP, and management's commitment to prioritising patrons' well-being. Perceived barriers included the inadequacy of training, the potential aggravation of situations with the implementation of AS, the lack of universal understanding and standards, psychological challenges faced by AP, and market forces. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the complex dynamics of currently operating AS in techno clubs in Berlin. The facilitators and barriers documented in this study suggest specific factors to be vital for the effective implementation of AS, potentially serving as setting-based harm reduction structures for patrons.