Here you’ll find statements about zero tolerance approaches to harassment and major tolerance approaches to party good times from our mates in the clubs and parties industry.
We’re so stoked to have mutual support with so many people in this industry. If you’re at one of these parties or venues – you better believe the peeps are supporting your right to have a safe and awesome boogie times.
Big ups guys! If you’re a bar/party and would like to show your support with a statement, hit up [email protected]
Check out Free To Move on Facebook, and keep using the #freetomove hashtag to keep up with the conversation.
NSW
Meanwhile – The Imperial Hotel – Erskineville, Sydney
Questions answered by Kiran De Silva
How do you guys feel about harassment in Australian nightlife?
Harassment, especially sexual, is horrible, NEVER justified and it has absolutely no place in a nightlife environment. Like violence, it’s anti social behaviour and it contributes nothing other than ruining peoples nights out (or worse).
Nightlife and clubbing at its core are activities for peoples enjoyment and leisure. They are a social release for people to let their hair down, relax and have a good time. There is at no point that something like harassment should take place and whilst nightlife may often present opportunities for the opposite sexes to attract it in no way should ever constitute the crossing of sexual harassment line. It’s against the law and it shouldn’t happen.
What measures does your venue/party have in place to protect anyone who might be vulnerable to sexual harassment?
From a promoter perspective we will forever convey the message that it’s not ok. Whether that comes through supporting campaigns like #freetomove or in the more physical manner of removing people instantly who display any kind of that behaviour. We work closely with security to make sure there is always a zero tolerance policy in place and anyone who reports harassment to us or any staff member is looked after and we take the matter just as seriously as any other incident in which someone essentially breaks the law.
How important is it to you to create a safe space for partying?
A safe space for partying is absolutely everything. That statement in itself is the fundamental ethos of a party like Meanwhile. For us, having a party in the Inner West also means the sense of community and local vibe are stronger than ever and it’s the safeness those things bring that has become one of our key draw cards. It’s exactly the same for harassment, violence and generally shit, damaging behaviour – we don’t stand for it and people who don’t get on board with that don’t have a place within our party.
Check out Meanwhile’s Facebook page here.
The Cliff Dive – Oxford Street, Sydney
Questions answered by Adam Campbell
How do you guys feel about harassment in Australian nightlife?
I don’t think many perpetrators understand how it feels to be harassed or what harassment actually is. Especially when individuals are in environment where they can blame it on so many other factors (“I was drunk”, “We were just having fun”, “I couldn’t hear that girl repeatedly telling me to leave her and her friends alone”), people don’t realise that they are 100% accountable for their actions and the impact these actions have on others. It’s a major problem that was laughed off for so long and hopefully now people will realise that it is a real issue with real victims.
What measures does your venue have in place to protect anyone who might be vulnerable to sexual harassment?
Our management team spends the night roaming the floor downstairs and also hanging out upstairs at the door. We always have a minimum of one security guard downstairs and up to three downstairs on Friday and Saturdays. We have an absolute zero tolerance on any kind of anti-social behaviour, especially if it is making people feel uncomfortable. This isn’t limited to physical contact but also verbal.
A lot of harassment starts while people are standing at the bar. Most venues that I go to, including the venue that I run, stay vigilant in ensuring that anyone in an uncomfortable exchange has an escape route (Whether that be politely informing the interested party that perhaps there is a very uninterested party present, or simply removing the interested party from the premises if need be).
The staff must notify myself and/or security as soon as a potential harassment victim is identified even if the victim does not come forth straight away. Getting rid of anyone who is going to give someone a bad time is our priority.
Our venue has always operated under the rule that prevention is better than a cure.
We have a very good relationship with Surry Hills Police and we don’t hesitate to call them if something needs to be addressed.
How important is it to you to create a safe space for partying?
It is the number one priority. You can’t party if you aren’t comfortable in your surroundings, knowing that you will be safe. I want to have a venue where guests can come in by themselves for a drink and not be worried about being harassed by every second Johnny that stands near them. Guests should feel that they could communicate any problem to any member of staff and see a positive outcome.
Check out Cliff Dive’s Facebook page here.
The World Bar – Kings Cross, Sydney
Questions answered by Clint O’Hanlon
How do you guys feel about harassment in Australian nightlife?
The majority of people who go clubbing in Australia do so because they want to have fun, be entertained and meet people. This means that music venues, bars and nightclubs could potentially present a unique opportunity for those who would seek to take advantage of people who’re purposefully lowering their inhibitions. We work very hard to ensure that harassment, be it sexual, emotional, physical or otherwise has no place at The World Bar.
What measures does your venue have in place to protect anyone who might be vulnerable to sexual harassment?
Correct lighting is paramount so we ensure there are no unlit, dark corners whilst still making sure it’s not so bright as to kill the vibe. Our venue is made up of many different rooms and spaces so we ensure there are ample security guards on to cover the whole club without being an imposing force. Our staff always try to be vigilant when it comes to our guests and their wellbeing. If they ever suspect trouble, bad vibes or any kind of harassment. Every part of the venue is covered by CCTV cameras which record around the clock and the scanners we use on the front door ensure that every guest can be made accountable for any wrong-doing. Above all else, we foster a work environment which promotes zero tolerance for any kind of harassment.
How important is it to you to create a safe space for partying?
For us it’s the MOST important thing. Our ethos revolves a lot around “party unto others as you would have party unto you”. Harassment of any form can permanently affect someone’s memory of your their night. If someone visits 5 venues and has a great time at 4 of them… They’ll tell everyone about the bad one. It’s in our best interest to make sure that every guest has only good memories of being at The World Bar. Simply put, if people have a fun and safe time, we’ll probably get to party with them again.
Check out The World Bar’s Facebook page here.
VIC
CANT SAY – CBD, Melbourne
Questions answered by Daniel Petchy
How do you guys feel about harassment in Australian nightlife?
Whilst I can’t speak on behalf of all the punters at CS, I personally put my patrons safety as my #1 concern. Whether that’s harassment, violence, or plain idiotic behaviour that could harm others, I genuinely believe it needs to be dealt with swiftly, firmly and often culprits need to be made an example of.
What measures does your venue have in place to protect anyone who might be vulnerable to sexual harassment?
Myself and the club have a zero bullshit tolerance factor. Essentially a one strike rule. If people mess up, and we catch them in the process (no matter the situation) then they usually receive a ban from the venue for a few months, and in extreme cases lifetime bans. This can encompass anything from harassment right through to people vandalising the property. We deliberately pay a little more for our security guards as they are renowned as one of the best in the industry in dealing with problematic punters and for quick thinking in difficult positions. They are all perfectly trained to deal with just about any situation thrown their way. The bartenders are great too and really have formed a strong bond with the promoter and extended family for the club, so everyone looks out for everyone. If anyone spots any strife it’s quickly reported and dealt with. We’re lucky we don’t have too many problems in that regard as people have learned it’s a place you can’t really get away with misbehaving.
How important is it to you to create a safe space for partying?
A safe environment is everything to us. As a promoter first and foremost I rely on return customers and building a base crowd. If your event or venue becomes known as a problematic venue, people won’t want to come back. It’s bad for reputation, business, money and personal morals.
Check out CANT SAY’s Facebook page here.
WA
Metric Events/Pilerats – Perth
Questions answered by Pierce Ericson
How do you guys feel about harassment in Australian nightlife?
Harassment is not something we would ever condone in any situation – which we guess should go without saying. Unfortunately large crowds combined with drinking and drugs make nightlife areas an easier environment for harassment to take place, and the scum of society take advantage of that.
What measures do guys have in place at your events to protect anyone who might be vulnerable to sexual harassment?
The first line of defence at any of the venues we operate at is the security. Making sure there is adequate security to deal with any signs of violence or harassment is important. Of course, security can’t be across absolutely everything going on in a venue, so we also encourage our own staff (promoters, photographers, DJs etc) to keep an eye on things and to bring up possible issues with security, and also to take care of anyone who is looking a little worse for wear. I guess we are also lucky in that our patrons are generally top-notch, and would be quick to let the right people know if anything bad was going down – be it a patron in distress or an overly aggressive punter.
Without simply excluding people based purely on how they look, it’s really important to be across/aware of patrons who are acting in a manner that could potentially cause trouble inside the club, and nullifying that possibility as early as possible i.e. outside the venue, in the line etc.
You also have a control when it comes to creating a culture around your events before they even happen, be it via social media, clubnight photography, things of that ilk, so it’s important to harness those powers for the betterment of your patrons. Putting forward a message that doesn’t belittle or degrade either sex is essential before your night even starts.
How important is it to you to create a safe space for partying?
It’s essentially the most important part of our business. If people don’t feel safe, people won’t have fun. If people aren’t having fun no one will come! You need to look after the people who want to hang out at your events, and of course it’s just being decent human beings! So we do everything we can to make sure people can party freely with like-minded people.
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