Vancouver, BC – Nightclubs participating in the BarWatch program will now face stricter consequences for groping incidents, as the ban has been doubled by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).
The decision to increase the ban from one year to two years was made in response to the rising number of sexual assault reports in the city’s nightlife scene. According to VPD, there were 175 reported sexual assaults in Vancouver’s entertainment district in 2019, a 42% increase from the previous year.
BarWatch is a partnership between the VPD and participating bars and nightclubs in the Granville Entertainment District. The program aims to promote safety and reduce crime in the area by sharing information and implementing safety measures.
Under the new policy, any individual found guilty of groping or other forms of sexual assault in a BarWatch participating establishment will be banned from all participating venues for a period of two years. This includes both employees and patrons.
VPD Chief Constable Adam Palmer stated that the decision to double the ban was made after careful consideration and consultation with the BarWatch Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the hospitality industry, community groups, and the VPD.
“We want to send a strong message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in our city,” said Palmer. “We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and this is one step towards achieving that goal.”
The new policy has been met with support from both the hospitality industry and community groups. The Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) has praised the decision, stating that it will help create a safer environment for marginalized groups who are often targeted for sexual assault.
In addition to the increased ban, the VPD has also announced that they will be increasing their presence in the Granville Entertainment District, particularly during peak hours. They will also be working closely with BarWatch venues to ensure that safety measures, such as security cameras and staff training, are in place.
The VPD is urging anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report the incident. They also encourage individuals to speak up if they witness any inappropriate behavior in the nightlife scene.
The new policy is set to take effect immediately, and the VPD will be closely monitoring its impact on reducing sexual assaults in the city’s entertainment district.
