Sattler bill aims to prevent sexual assault, harassment in bars
A private members bill re-introduced in provincial parliament Tuesday aims to protect patrons and staff at licenced establishments from sexual harassment and sexual assault.
The Safe Night Out Act would require anyone who works in an establishment that serves liquor to be trained in evidence-based and trauma informed sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention.
The bill is co-sponsored by Ontario New Democrat MPPs Peggy Sattler of London West and Kristin Wong-Tam of Toronto Centre.
“Alcohol is the number one date rape drug that is currently used, but we also have to look at it from a lens of safety,” said Wong-Tam at a Queens Park news conference.
“It gives the government a legislative framework to make places where liquor is served safer for the patrons who are most at risk of sexual violence and harassment, who are predominantly female and often young, as well as the workers who serve them,” explained Sattler.
The bill has been updated from its 2017 version. The biggest change is that it would not be part of the Smart Serve program. According to the bill’s sponsors, training would be free for staff and licence holders.
Dave Monture, who owns and operates the Wortley Roadhouse in London, Ont., said it would be good idea. But he added that some of its elements are already covered by existing laws, at least when it comes to protecting staff.
“Ministry of Labour already has us post harassment in the workplace policy and programs, so that is kind of already in place,” he said. “Sexual harassment is part of the program.”
A number of organizations are lending their support to the bill, including the London Abused Women’s Centre, Anova London, and the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women and Children.
The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance also applauds the bill as a step in making outings safer for students.
“When students go out to their local bar or restaurant they should feel liberated to have fun without their sense of safety being compromised,” said executive director Malika Dhanani.
It’s not yet determined who would conduct the training, should the bill get passed. A spokesperson for the Ontario NDP told CTV News London it could be violence against women organizations, unions, or a combination of both.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.