You have a dungeon full of furniture and toys, so now you want share your space with your local community and invite anyone who wants to come for a play party. You want a big event full of awesome people, but you do not know everyone, and some you have only heard of, and there have never been so many people in your dungeon before. How can you make sure that everyone is as safe as possible? What if there’s an emergency? Are you prepared for the extra responsibility of having a public play party? There are a few specific things to consider: local laws and health codes, emergencies, privacy and your own comfort levels.
First and foremost, be familiar with local laws and health codes. These can differ depending on the type of venue your dungeon is. Private homes have different rules than public spaces. Public events have different laws than members only or invite only gatherings. Depending where you are located, it may not be just state and local laws you have to know, but local ordinances, or the rules of the home owners association. Even a simple noise or parking complaint from your neighbors can get the police involved and reasonable suspicion may get them through the door if they hear people screaming. Know your laws and your rights in case the police drop by to say hello. Prostitution definitions may change over time. Blood play without a licensed piercer or even anal sex may be illegal where you live. Being aware of the risk and prepared for questions can keep your guests safe and secure in your dungeon.
The next thing to consider is emergency preparedness. Your dungeon should have smoke detectors with fresh batteries, and if your guests are doing fire play, be sure it is far enough away that they will not go off. If the weather turns bad, be sure you can hear warning sirens in the dungeon, or have something nearby to watch or listen for reports. If you are not CPR certified, know which of your guests are, and if any are medical professionals. Everyone should be told where the nearest phone is in case they need to call 911. Do not be afraid to call for help. An accident is one thing, but not getting proper assistance in an emergency can turn out far worse. A little preparedness and foreknowledge can go a long way to keeping an emergency from turning into a disaster.
Privacy is very important to members of the lifestyle community, for a variety of reasons. At a public play party, this can cause some very specific issues. First off, if the ambulance shows up and you tell them that Master Domly Dom is hurt, they are going to ask you for his real name. If he came to your party alone, and is brand new to the area, no one else might know his name either. It is important to protect the privacy of your guests, but it is also important for you to be able to tell the police or other emergency crew who is in trouble. Checking Ids can also ensure that all your guests are of legal age, protecting both you and your guests. Photography can be another privacy issue. Some people love to have their scenes immortalized on film or digital media. Others would rather not have a record of their recreational activities. Make sure that everyone is on the same page, and any pictures that leave your party are only of willing subjects.
This starts to get into the subject of your own personal comfort levels. It is your dungeon. Guests should follow your rules. If you want to ban cameras outright, that is your prerogative. If you want to ban intercourse, you have every right to do so. If you want to ban fluffy bunnies, then no one should bring fluffy bunnies to your dungeon. If there are things that bother you, or things you do not want to deal with, it is your space, you are not required, to take any risks you are not comfortable with, be it fire, blood play or venomous snakes. Do warn your guests ahead of time. Post a list of rules with the party invite. Nothing is more disappointing than showing up with your fluffy bunny and then having to leave it in the car.
We all know the risks we take when we play, but there are a few extra things to think about when you host a public party. It is not just your own scene you have to be prepared for, but everyone else’s as well. Know the pertinent, be ready for emergencies, be aware of your guests’ privacy concerns and decide on your own rules. Everyone wants to have a good time, but be prepared for the unexpected.
