'It'll destroy our nightlife'

This is the view of bar owners who say they are being “unfairly tarred with the same brush” in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

From June it will be law for all licensed premises to meet a set ratio of security guards to patrons.

It means many bars, clubs and hotels with live entertainment will have to find $500 per night for security staff — an extra cost many say they cannot afford.

Bar owners like Phil Barnett say they will have no choice but to ditch their bands and DJs to save money. They fear this will “make Bermuda boring” and turn away tourists.

They are now pleading with Ministers and senior police officers to have a change of heart “for the sake of Bermuda’s nightlife”.

Phil Barnett, president of the Island Restaurant Group, which includes the Pickled Onion and Hog Penny, said: “It will simply destroy any kind of live entertainment we have in Bermuda. Nowhere will be able to afford to put anything on.

“This piece of legislation will have such a negative impact that it could damage the island’s reputation. It will unintentionally ruin everything we are working towards. We are trying to break free from the shackles and make Bermuda a desirable and lively tourist destination.

“But this will make us even less competitive in the tourist market; it will shut down the island and make the place boring.”

The security staff to patrons ratio is one of several proposed amendments to the Liquor Licence Act 1974. The changes were spearheaded by a working group, which included the police, politicians and members of CADA.

When the amendments were debated in the House of Assembly in May, Minister Zane DeSilva said they were “mindful of the sensational violence confronting our justice system”.

The new amendment applies to licensed premises that have a DJ or live entertainment after 10pm. It states that premises licensed for up to 35 people need one security guard. Those licensed for up to 50 people need two security guards with an extra guard for every additional 50 people.

Extra staff

This means security staff — who charge about $50 an hour — will be needed at all late-night events, be it a wedding at Fourways Inn, an open-mic night organized by Chewstick, a party at Devonshire Rec or a jazz trio playing at the Fairmont Southampton Resort.

Duncan Adams, general manager at Bermuda Bistro at The Beach, said they had stepped up security of their own accord in recent months.

He said: “This will still affect us as we will be less inclined to have live entertainment on quiet nights — it just won’t be worth our while.

“It’s going to be tough, it’s going to be an extra cost for us and the entertainers themselves will suffer.”

Steve Simons, the owner of the Spinning Wheel on Court Street, said: “It’s going to be very expensive for us all. Everyone’s needs are not the same, but we are all being treated the same. What they are planning to do should have been researched a little more.”

Bar owners want to continue to ‘self-govern’ the security they have at their venues, as has previously been the case.

They believe licensed premises who flout the law should be “penalized in other ways” such as having their liquor licence suspended for a certain period of time.

Mr. Barnett, who is on the board of directors of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said: “We understand there are some troublesome premises but many bar owners work hard to create safe environments for people to be in. This is penalizing us all even when we are running safe and above-board establishments.

“We really hope the voice of reason will prevail; we don’t want to suffer for other people’s shortcomings.”