CODE RED

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce proposed a "code of conduct" for
businesses, the city and social service agencies. Some of the highlights
include:

* Businesses and agencies operating in close proximity to transient and
residential accommodations are to ensure that noise emissions do not
disturb the neighbourhood and comply with the city's noise bylaw.

* There shall be no tolerance for criminal activities. Police will be
contacted should criminal activity occur.

* All business and social service agencies will take reasonable screening
measures to ensure illegal drugs or weapons are not brought onto their
premises.

* Businesses and agencies are not to permit patrons to carry or consume
alcohol or drugs in areas other than those licensed for those purposes.

* Businesses and agencies are encouraged to employ security personnel to
patrol the outdoor areas of the place of business and monitor the activity
of its patrons.

* Businesses and social service agencies will discourage loitering and
soliciting. Should an operator observe people loitering and/or soliciting
(panhandling) outside their business, necessary steps will be taken to
discourage this activity. If necessary, this will include reporting any
aggressive soliciting to police.