Ryan Dahlstrom is a nationally recognized nightclub and bar operations expert with over three decades of experience in hospitality management, alcohol service oversight, and nightclub security. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles including general manager, director of operations, and security consultant for high-volume venues across the United States. He has conducted hundreds of employee trainings, written industry-standard protocols for alcohol service and crowd control, and played a pivotal role in improving venue safety standards nationwide.
As an expert witness, Ryan applies this operational expertise to litigation involving premises liability, negligent security, alcohol overservice, and failure to follow standard practices. His opinions are grounded in real-world policies, firsthand operational experience, and accepted hospitality industry norms. He has provided case consultation, deposition testimony, and trial appearances in numerous civil and criminal proceedings involving bars, nightclubs, concerts, festivals, lounges, and adult entertainment venues.
In addition to his courtroom services, Ryan is a respected voice in hospitality education, having co-authored server training programs and contributed to national initiatives aimed at reducing intoxication-related harm. His work bridges the gap between law and operations—helping juries and legal teams understand what should have happened in a properly managed establishment.
Ryan Dahlstrom brings critical clarity to how nightclubs, bars, and hospitality venues are expected to operate under recognized standards. Drawing from 30+ years of direct management and consulting experience, he evaluates staff protocols, crowd safety measures, and alcohol service procedures against widely accepted industry benchmarks. His insight into security staffing, line control, ID verification, and intoxication response helps legal teams understand where breakdowns may have occurred and whether injuries or incidents could have been prevented through reasonable operations. Whether reviewing video surveillance, floor plans, or employee testimony, Ryan assesses each detail through the lens of what a responsible establishment should have done to maintain safety and minimize risk. His expert analysis helps courts and juries see the operational truth behind complex alcohol-related cases.
Expert Witness
Premises Liability Expert
Security Expert
