Nightclub bans patrons from staring at others without their consent
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A Sydney nightclub is going above and beyond to make sure their venue is a safe space for patrons.
In a social media post hitting out at those who have recently engaged in harassing other bar-goers, Club77 revealed they have updated their safety policy to include unwanted staring.
"Thanks to the support of our community and amazing patrons, Club 77 has been busier than ever," the social media post said.
"Unfortunately, this has also attracted some people who do not share our values and ethics when it comes to club culture, consent and harassment."
The Darlinghurst club went on to state that they do encourage patrons to interact with strangers, but in a consensual way.
"However any engagement MUST begin with verbal consent," the post read.
"This also applies if you are, for example, staring at someone from afar. If the attention you are giving someone is unwanted, that is considered harassment."
The nightclub added that security guards will patrol inside the nightclub while wearing pink hi-vis vests and have been trained to handle complaints and concerns.
"If you're being harassed by another person or receiving unwanted attention, please seek them out or tell our staff immediately," the Instagram post added.
Antisocial behaviour that makes others feel uncomfortable will result in the removal of the reported individual from the venue.
Club77 also stated that those removed for harassment will be reported to police.
The social media post was met with mixed responses.
One social media user said: "You're going to call the cops on someone for staring at someone else in your club? what will the cops do?"
A second added: "The stupidity of these rules will guarantee that the only patrons to attend this club will be the snowflake generation. Good luck with that."
A third joked: "Please don’t stare at me, I'm fragile."
Others praised the Darlinghurst bar for pushing for a safe space and 'looking after people'.
One user said: "Wow, [I] love the idea of a safety officer."
A second added: "Thanks for stepping up."
A third said: "Amazing! Positive party culture all the way."
Club77's website states that it is a welcoming environment for all backgrounds, genders and members of the LGBTQI community and is 'a safe space for freedom and expression'.
The basement bar also offers gender neutral toilets and is working on improving disabled access.
