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CCTV could be required in pubs and clubs

CCTV could be required in pubs and clubs

Saturday 11 February 2023

CCTV could be required in pubs and clubs

Saturday 11 February 2023


Home Affairs is looking at bringing in new measures to help make the island safer for those out and about in pubs and clubs.

Options are being explored following collaboration with campaigners, Police and charities.

The Committee is now working with licensees to “ensure everything possible is being done to ensure all premises are doing their part to help protect people and deter potential offenders”.

“Proportionate requirements for the provision of CCTV in pubs and clubs” will be considered, as well as working with the third sector to ensure drink lids could be provided amongst other things.

This is part of the Committees wider work in encouraging a culture shift against all sexual offences, and violence against women and girls, with the new Sexual Assault Referral Centre to be piloted soon.

Women are disproportionately affected by such offences locally and nationally, with hundreds reporting negative experiences and a lack of trust in authorities recently. 

Guernsey Police recently installed several new CCTV cameras around Town as it ramps up efforts to focus on these offences and prosecuting perpetrators.

Deputy Sue Aldwell

Pictured: Deputy Sue Aldwell.

Deputy Sue Aldwell, a member of Home Affairs, said despite public campaigns to encourage a more respectful climate, “it is a sad truth that women still find themselves being taken advantage of when they are on a night out. 

“Whether it be inappropriate comments or touching; this is unacceptable, and respect is the solution. We continue to look at options of what we can do to support the police and charities working in this area to get that message into the community, but I am sure that the vast majority of islanders would agree with me that this is not an environment we want for our children,”.

Home Affairs President, Deputy Rob Prow said the overarching aim is to allow people to enjoy nights out without any fear of others or their actions.

“If something does happen, we want them to be able to report these incidents and see justice done,” he said. 

“I have directed officers to look at options for what we can do to ensure there are good standards across the industry. I have no doubt that many premises are already doing lots, and are very conscious of these issues particularly as they have come into the spotlight in recent years. 

“We very much applaud that, but further small changes across the board could make a big difference."

Deputy Rob Prow

Pictured: Deputy Rob Prow.

Girls Night In Guernsey has been actively lobbying for change, and was one of the groups which met with politicians recently.

An organiser said it has “several ideas for initiatives to help islanders - men and women - feel more safe in Guernsey’s night-time economy and we are looking forward to engaging with local venues for the benefit of the whole community.

They commended Home Affairs’ engagement with their concerns, saying they were “extremely encouraged by the positive feedback we received.

“We felt heard as a representative voice for our followers and the discussions were constructive. It is clear that Home Affairs and BLE are taking this issue seriously and their willingness to engage with us has been sincerely appreciated.

“The increasing awareness of this issue locally, combined with recent convictions for indecent assault is helping to show that, if islanders make reports of these crimes, they will be taken seriously.”

READ MORE...

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