A READING man has raised concerns about the use of CCTV in the men’s toilets at a town Wetherspoon pub.
A video from inside the Back of Beyond shows signs warning of the presence of CCTV in the men’s toilets.
Reading man Matt said the use of the cameras in the Back of Beyond pub, on King’s Road, presented a ‘radical intrusion into customer’s privacy’.
READ MORE: Village Co-op taped off after thieves steal cash and booze
Speaking to the Chronicle, Matt said: “The manager at this Wetherspoons pub also confirmed that there is also a CCTV camera in the women's toilets.
The CCTV can be seen on the ceiling. Image via screenshot
“Customers naturally do not wish to be filmed and monitored by pub members of staff while in the toilets, and security because, invariably, digital images are subject to hacking and
potentially leaked on the wider internet.
READ MORE: Spoons pub rated worst in Reading
“As such, it represents a radical intrusion into customer's privacy and security - and one that is not being justified as in the safety of the public but rather the convenience of
staff members.”
Reading Borough Council does not have any planning or licensing rules prohibiting the placement of CCTV cameras in certain locations in premises.
READ MORE: Details of every crime reported in Reading in February
However, the Information Commissioner’s Office’s guidance says CCTV should not be running in private places.
Their advice states: “Generally speaking, CCTV shouldn’t be running in areas considered private – such as in toilets and changing rooms. In most cases, using CCTV here wouldn’t be fair or proportionate, meaning it wouldn’t be compliant [with people’s right to privacy].”
Signage outside the men's toilets
Eddie Gershon, a Wetherspoon spokesperson, told the Chronicle the CCTV did not film the cubicles or urinals.
He added: “CCTV covering the communal sink areas only of both the male and female toilets of the pub was installed in November 2021.
“The cameras do not cover the urinals or cubicles.
READ MORE: Man arrested on suspicion of murder
“The decision to install the cameras was taken to promote customer and staff safety.
“It augments the existing CCTV system in the rest of the pub which is in place for the same reason.
CCTV is in place at The Back of Beyond pub in Reading
“Signage alerting customers to the cameras is in place in both sets of toilets.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel