This Australian Nightclub Will Kick Out Those Caught Staring at Someone Without the Other Person’s Consent

A nightclub in Australia has warned its patrons against staring at another individual without their consent. Club 77, a nightclub located in Sydney’s Darlinghurst neighbourhood, announced the new rule via its website and social media channels.

The nightclub said that it considers staring at an individual without their consent as ‘harassment’ and said that if patrons are seen engaging in that kind of behaviour they will be handed over to the law enforcement authorities.

“We operate a zero-tolerance policy on harassment of any kind. Club 77 is not a place to come to if your sole purpose is to ‘pick up’. If you do come in and are approaching multiple people or giving unwanted attention to someone, you are going to attract the attention of our security, who have been instructed to stop this kind of behaviour,” the nightclub said in its statement.

It further went on to add: “As a nightclub, we encourage you to interact with strangers, however any engagement MUST begin with verbal consent. 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.”

“Creating a safe space goes beyond implementing practices to deal with incidents after they have happened. We also also have an obligation to educate new club-goers and help them understand what is considered unacceptable behaviour inside the venue and on the dance floor,’ the club said.

“If we receive reports of any behaviour that has made someone feel uncomfortable, the reported individual will be removed from the venue and the police will be called,” the statement further added.

It also went on to say that designated ‘Safety Officers’ in pink hi-visibility vests will be tasked with handling complaints and concerns related to the new rule. They shall also remove the ‘offending individuals’ from the nightclub.

The new rule met with mixed reactions on social media. On Instagram, there were several commentators who called the new rule a ‘woke’ step and said it would affect the clubbing experience. Some patrons welcomed it highlighting the need for safety but many others said such a move would lead to closure of the nightclub.