I worked in a JD Wetherspoon pub for 6 long years and was the victim, on hundreds of occasions, of unwanted behaviour and harassment - both sexual and non-sexual based. I wish I could say my experiences are unique, but I know several young women, and young men, who have worked and still work in the Night Time Economy (NTE), who have become victims of such behaviour.
I started at JD Wetherspoon right after my GCSE’s; 16 years old, and excited for my first job. Immediately it struck me that working in the NTE would not be the safest of environments, having comment after comment about being told to ‘smile’ or ‘cheer up’, coupled with lingering stares and asking if they could buy me a drink. This sort of unwanted behaviour (which is sexual harassment) unfortunately became the norm, and I shied away from telling management - I didn’t think I would be taken seriously. The environment was unsafe for me, and was ultimately not inclusive for a 16 year old girl.
After several long years, and several harassing incidents, I gave up hope on any form of training for the staff and management at this particular pub, whether that be for upper-management to spot the signs of harassment or to simply be an effective ally to me. One incident stands out amongst the rest, it was just after lockdown, when people started coming into the pub again. I was doing table service, as the rules dictated no customer could be at the bar, and a regular grabbed my hands and wrists and put them behind my back as I was taking an order near his table. He held me and said ‘I bet you’re used to this’ - I was shocked, he wasn’t only touching me but making a very sexually suggestive comment. I said back, ‘I have never been arrested before’, trying to make light of the situation, only for another customer to remark that that is not what he meant. We all know that this is sexual assault.
After the initial shock wore off, I jokingly told a few colleagues, including my male manager, and it was shrugged off as a harmless joke. In this instance I knew sexual violence was not taken seriously in this venue, and only in joking about the situation would I find any solace. It occurred to me that maybe my peers didn’t quite understand the severity of the interaction, that only education on inappropriate behaviour in the NTE, sexual violence and an uninclusive workplace environment would define the act as sexual assault for those who are otherwise ignorant to such matters. What happened to me is defined as sexual assault as it is unwanted physical touch of a sexual nature - I did not consent to this action, and framing this type of behaviour as sexual assault is imperative to training management. They needed to know it was not okay.
From that moment onwards, work did not feel like a safe place. I was worried, looking over my shoulder to see if the customer would be there again, trying not to draw too much attention to myself and most definitely avoiding table service. Eventually, I confided in one of my female managers, also a close friend of mine, and the incident was submitted on our Accident & Injury system. The customer was barred, although he did fight this incessantly. The whole ordeal made me question my value as a member of the team, made me question why incidents of sexual assault are not taken seriously. Why, after telling a close personal friend, who also happened to be a manager, was it only then reported as an ‘accident & incident’.
Through my work with The Egalitarian, I have realised that it does not take a lot to be an effective ally when facing violence against women and girls (VAWG). NTE staff and management need training to be able to identify incidents of unwanted sexual behaviour, to understand it is wrong and why it is wrong. Training would also help steps to prevention of these incidents, make victims like myself feel empowered to come forward (whether it be customers or staff). Venues should be proactive not reactive, putting systems in place that can effectively deal with incidents and ensure the safety of everyone in the venue.
The Egalitarian’s Safe Place Project training focuses on effective identification, prevention and victim-focussed response systems to tackle inappropriate and unacceptable behaviours that we see regularly on a night out. We promote effective allyship, showing people how to intervene in situations in a way that is safe for everyone and doesn't risk a situation getting worse. This training can not only benefit individuals (staff and customers) but the venue itself, by becoming an inclusive, welcoming, and most importantly, safe place for everyone.
Over the years we have trained over 30 venues in several different sectors - pubs/clubs, festivals, student unions and workplaces. Each training session is unique to each client, and catered to their specific needs. Our sessions show how to identify, prevent and respond to harmful behaviour; are a safe space to chat about experiences, reflections and ask questions; are trauma informed in delivery and learning; debunk myths and highlight often overlooked issues; change the narrative and implement victim-focussed technique and are a collaborative environment to work through real life scenarios.
After 6 long years in the NTE, I can safely say The Egalitarian’s Safe Place Project is fundamental to all staff, customers and venues.
