Information Commissioner Reports on CCTV in Pubs.

From I hate Jacqui Smith blog

"Nick Gibson said police insistence that he set up cameras to film every customer entering and leaving the premises would threaten drinkers' civil liberties.

The Information Commissioner's Office intervened, writing to the Metropolitan police to warn that the blanket introduction of CCTV in pubs "raised serious privacy concerns".

Yesterday it emerged that the police had dropped their conditions and Gibson was granted a licence for his pub - the Drapers Arms in Islington, north London"

The below, as far as Gloucestershire is concerned, seems to comply with the ICO's judgement, but it would appear that a great deal more Local Authorities do not.

Pubs say CCTV is business threat 

Pub landlords in Gloucestershire are warning that installing CCTV could force them out of business if they have to have the cameras to get a licence. 

More police forces insist on CCTV in return for supporting a licence application but Gloucestershire only requires it if there has been trouble. 

The Licensed Victuallers Association in the county says it is one more expense that pubs cannot afford. 

Landlords also claim the cameras are invasive and put off customers. 

Steve Herbert, who runs the Old Spot pub in Dursley, said: "It's crazy isn't it? Licensees have been hit so badly in the last couple of years. 

"We've had the smoking ban, the bad weather, duty increases well above the rate of inflation and we're having to cough up for it. 

"It's an invasion of privacy - absolutely no need."

Which police authorities have been enforcing a strict compliance with an apparently illegal condition on obtaining a license?

The Lambs Have Turned.

Lamb 'head-butted golden eagle'
 
"A lamb was seen head-butting a golden eagle, one of Scotland's largest birds of prey, according to a new report on island birdlife.
The lamb head-butt incident is recorded in an official report"

Well Jacqui and Co, I guess you may be starting to appreciate just how confused and bewildered

that eagle felt!

Some of Brighton's Finest are also getting an idea of what it's like to be bitten in the butt by the "Surveillance State." 

"One policeman, who did not want to be named, said: 'This is taking things too far. We use CCTV to catch criminals, not officers who take a quick break from a punishing job."

Well if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear, eh?

Maybe you could give some support to this landlord

whose livlihood is threatened by similar behaviour by you masters?

"A prospective pub landlord says the police insistence on him installing CCTV cameras to film everyone entering his pub threatens his customers' civil liberties.

Nick Gibson says he has been in a "silent rage" since the police outlined conditions to his licence application, which also requires him to hand over any film of drinkers on request.

"I have been spitting teeth ... since I first heard of this request, but at every turn I am alternately advised to keep my head down or laughed at for my naivety," said Gibson, who plans to reopen the Drapers Arms in Islington, north London, in April."

You don't like it when it's your turn do you?