How to choose security cameras for a restaurant or cafe
Learn how to position cameras for cash registers, dining areas, and kitchens without ruining the atmosphere of your restaurant.
Quick take
Restaurants face unique challenges: low lighting in dining areas, high heat/grease in kitchens, and the need to monitor cash handling closely.
Recommended Direction
Dedicated Cash Register Cameras
You need a narrow-angle, high-resolution camera pointed directly at the POS system to monitor transactions and resolve dispute claims.
Dome cameras for dining areas
Use low-profile dome cameras with smoked glass in dining areas. They are less intrusive to guests and it's harder for people to see exactly where the lens is pointing.
Common Mistakes
Standard cameras in the kitchen: Grease and steam will ruin standard lenses. You need cameras with high IP ratings (IP67) and glass that can be easily wiped down.
Audio recording without signage: Recording audio in a restaurant dining room can violate wiretapping laws in many states. It's usually safer to disable audio recording entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cameras does a small cafe need?
Typically 4-6: One on the register, one on the front door, one covering the dining floor, one in the kitchen, and one at the back door.
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