Club removes toilets CCTV after backlash
A SOCIAL club has removed cameras from its toilets following a backlash.
Llanharry Working Men’s Club recently installed CCTV in both the men’s and women’s toilets to combat drug dealing – but sparked accusations of invading privacy.
One woman said a camera in the female toilets was pointed at large mirrors near the sink. She added: “The only CCTV sign is outside [the club]. There’s nothing inside or nothing by the toilets to say they’re there.
“They have lots of private parties from kids to weddings. So there are lots of things going on where there are children attending and women wearing zip-up clothing that may need the help of a friend.
“While that zip is being done up or buttons on a bodysuit, quite often breasts or bums are on show. It’s extremely worrying that this is being recorded in a toilet that has a large mirror on every wall.”
When a customer posted on Facebook about the CCTV, dozens of people commented with concerns. One woman described the Elm Road club’s move as “awful”, while another wrote: “I’m seriously hoping this isn’t true.”
Club chairman Barry Stephens, a former mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, said the cameras were installed two or three weeks ago.
He told WalesOnline last Wednesday: “There is an ongoing escalating drug issue in the club which is constantly being addressed. In the light of discussions that I have had with the police, a decision was made to install cameras.
“Having listened to members’ concerns, I have instructed our security engineer to remove the cameras today.
“The issue will be taken to the next annual general meeting where a decision can be made by members.”
Mr Stephens wrote to the author of the Facebook post: “Your communication has served to bring to my notice the strength of feeling and opposition to the placing of cameras inside the toilets. I have instructed the engineer to remove them immediately as I work in the best interests of members at all times.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office, which protects information
rights in the UK, says in its CCTV guidance: “In areas where people have a heightened expectation of privacy... cameras should only be used in the most exceptional circumstances where it is necessary to deal with very serious concerns.
“In these cases, you should make extra effort to ensure that those under surveillance are aware that they are being recorded and that appropriate restrictions on viewing and disclosing images are in place.”
It is not the first time Llanharry Working Men’s Club has courted controversy.
In March, the venue held a meeting on meals for Mother’s
Day. The meeting breached Covid rules and landed the club a £1,000 fine.
Mr Stephens said he thought business meeting rules were the same as in England.
Last year Wetherspoon drew criticism for installing CCTV in the “common areas” of toilets in 41 pubs across the UK. The chain defended itself by pointing out the cameras did not film urinals or inside cubicles.
A Welsh Women’s Aid spokeswoman said: “Women deserve to feel safe in all spaces and venues they access. It is imperative in any conversation on this matter, that women’s concerns about privacy and dignity are listened to, believed and respected.”
And a South Wales Police spokesman said the force would never advise a venue to install CCTV in its toilets.
He added: “Officers do give general advice about a range of crime prevention measures if there are concerns about criminal activity. But the installation and location of CCTV cameras is a matter for the proprietor and must always comply with national guidelines set out by the Information Commissioner’s Office which aim to protect an individual’s privacy and rights.”