VANCOUVER POLICE TO START SPOILING GANG MEMBERS' DINNERS

RESTAURANT WATCH: Thugs To Be Booted

Vancouver police announced yesterday a campaign they hope will give
criminals heartburn.

Starting immediately, police will routinely patrol restaurants to
kick out criminals.

The program will be similar to the bar patrols to weed out
undesirables, Supt. Warren Lemcke said.

He said uniformed and plainclothes officers will routinely patrol
restaurants in the "Restaurant Watch" program.

"It is to send a clear message to people involved in organized crime
and gang activity they are no longer welcome," said Lemcke.

Restaurants -- about 40 in total -- will display signs indicating
they are part of the program.

Lemcke insisted there will be no violation of anyone's rights.

"The program is focusing on gang members, gang associates, drug
dealers and people with a history of violence," said Lemcke.

"I don't know where they will go, but it won't be in Vancouver. They
are not welcome here."

Ian Tostenson of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association
said the association is concerned about the gang violence in Metro Vancouver.

"This is a great example of restaurants getting together to work on a
very pro-active program to make for a much safer environment for
everyone," he said.

For more than a year, a violence suppression team has been visiting
bars, gyms and other places where gang members hang out to tell them
they are not welcome.