CLUBS FEAR MORE VIOLENCE AFTER BAN ON POLICE SECURITY

Pay-Duty Officers 'Essential For Safety Of Customers, Proprietors'

Toronto bars and nightclubs can no longer beef up their security by hiring
off-duty officers, thanks to a recent change in police policy.

That has some club owners fuming and others fearing the lost security could
lead to an escalation in violence.

Phyllis James, manager of Club Epiphany, said business is down 30 per cent
at the North York club popular with the Caribbean community since pay-duty
officers were pulled.

Customers just don't feel as safe without the familiar sight of uniformed
officers outside the Arrow Rd. establishment, near Sheppard Ave. W. and
Highway 400, she said.

"What's happening at the clubs in the last couple weeks should paint a
picture that police presence is essential for the safety of the customers
and proprietors," James said.

Last Saturday, bouncer Andrew Robotham was shot and killed while working at
the Spin Cat club on Isabella St. at Yonge St. Less than a block away, at
The Web bar, bouncer Christopher Palmer was killed Feb. 14.

The routine order on pay-duty officers was issued in late January. It says
pay duties are prohibited at places that make most of their money from
liquor sales, including bars and nightclubs.

If approved by the police chief, exceptions can be made, such as for
special events or where large lineups are anticipated, said police
spokesperson Staff Sergeant Fred Ellarby.

He said allowing clubs to hire officers presented a potential conflict of
interest, since police are also responsible for enforcing liquor laws.

He also made reference to safety concerns at some of the places officers
were asked to provide security.

"Some of them are problem areas and have been historically. We're not going
to put our officers in a situation where they're potential victims without
proper back-up."

Charles Khabouth, who owns The Guvernment, a popular dance club on Queens
Quay E., said his facility had hired pay-duty officers for almost the
entire four years the club has been open.

"If I go to a club and I see police outside, I feel safer," said Khabouth,
who expects to meet with police today to find out whether he can be exempt
from the restriction. He says less than half of his income comes from
liquor sales, with concerts and ticket prices making up the primary source.

Shawn Parsons heads High Profile Event Security, which provides security to
many nightclubs and events.

Parsons called the ban on pay-duty officers "a mistake."

"I feel that possibly the violence is going to escalate without police
presence," he said.