Bar owner defends toilet cameras

Bar owner defends toilet cameras
New 9:00AM Thursday August 07, 2008

The owner of a Hamilton nightclub is defending the use of video cameras in toilets to stop vandalism.

Waikato student Sam Hulton was horrified to discover he had been filmed in the men's toilet of the Bahama Hut bar on Friday night, The Dominion Post reported.

The 21-year-old had been captured pulling down a poster and putting it in the urinal.

Mr Hulton admitted he was drunk and that what he did "wasn't the best", but said he was shocked when two security staff came in to the toilet and dragged him to a back room.

He was then shown footage of himself urinating in the toilet and was asked to identify himself.

"I had no idea I was being filmed," Mr Hulton, a screen and media student, said.

"I pointed out (it) is illegal due to the fact I was urinating in the urinal at the time."

Bahama Hut general manager Simon Batters said the bar had at least four video cameras set up, including one in each of the men's and women's toilets.

He said staff used footage as proof of vandalism.

=bar owner defends toilet cameras hamilton nightclub defending use video toilets stop vandalism waikato student sam hulton was horrified discover filmed men bahama hut friday night dominion post reported year old captured pulling down poster"

Warning signs were unnecessary because they did not film patrons actually going to the toilet, he said.

Mr Hulton said he had complained to police in the hope that the incident would not be repeated with other customers.

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff said personal information, such as video, should be collected only in a way that was open and transparent.

"It would rarely, if ever, be acceptable for CCTV to be in places such as washrooms and locker rooms, where individuals can fairly expect to have privacy," she said.

Huh. Thats interesting. As long as they don't film anyone actually taking a piss, then I guess that's okay.

Quote :

As long as they don't film anyone actually taking a piss, then I guess that's okay.

I'm not sure it's okay.

This is an interesting idea. Maybe these cameras can finally tell us why, when you're at a bar, women always go to the ladies' room in groups of three or more. What are they DOING in there that requires back-up??

Yea, I guess depending on what the cameras are shooting (the backs of men standing at urinals?) I don't see a problem with it. Perhaps a sign warning folks that they are under servailence might help the situation.

If he's got secret cameras in the toilets, hoping to catch a glimpse of some dude's 3-piece set or some girls copping a squat, well that's a whole different kettle of fish. Just ask Chuck Berry.

This is bad. No cameras should be allowed in bathrooms. Hire a bathroom security guard, then.

Eyesore wrote:

This is bad. No cameras should be allowed in bathrooms. Hire a bathroom security guard, then.

That would be a fun job.

DenimAndLeather wrote:

Eyesore wrote:

This is bad. No cameras should be allowed in bathrooms. Hire a bathroom security guard, then.

That would be a fun job.

Remember when rest rooms used to have "attendants?" Guys that would stand there and hand you a paper towel after you wash your hands?

yeah, and you had to give them a tip. i ignore them.

yet another reason to avoid public restrooms.

I think this guy should be sued till the cows come home. Without notice posted you can have a reasonable expectation of that your privacy is being adhered to in a public restroom. This guy is violating that expectation and splitting hairs to do it. Not even employers can put cameras in the restrooms or other places where people might change. I understand what he is trying to do but I hope he gets it good for taping people in the restroom.

Alex