To camera or not to camera...

This weekend the press have made much play out the announcement from Amber’s, in Manchester to “ban cameras”. Of course, in the old days that would have been the confiscation of a Kodak or Canon, but this is of course talking about the camera on the item no one is ever without- their mobile phone.

Possibly the instant reaction and reason for so much press coverage was the fear in all of us of handing over that device but in fact the position is much more sophisticated and interesting.

It is the camera on the phone and the issue of living life thru’ a lens and as a consequence performers being unable to look the audience in the eye which appears to be behind the decision.

The 1,000-capacity nightclub has opened with a strict rule that smartphone cameras must be covered with a sticker.

We are told people violating the rule will be “politely asked to stop”, and  “If you are seen doing it again, you will be asked to leave the venue,”

Is there any issue as to this from a licensing perspective, we do have a licensing objective of Public Safety but there will be CCTV in the building along with stewards, staff and door supervisors. Is there any impact potentially on the prevention of Crime and Disorder Objective, there may be a small risk that it may embolden a predator but again with all other protections in place this should not be an issue. Hopefully, it will result in the reasoning stated by the club -“we really want the music and the experience to be front and centre”, and for people to have a great first-hand experience.