Female club goers complain about toilet's 2 way mirror that lets men spy on them
Published: 2013 May 22 07:39:12 (8939 Views)
Complaints from female clubbers that a two-way mirror in the women's lavatory of a Glasgow nightclub allows male guests to spy on them are being investigated by police and licensing officers.
The feature at The Shimmy Club apparently allows women to be watched while they are using a row of sinks.
The mirror, similar to those used by police when interviewing suspects, is between the lavatory and a function room rented to private parties at a cost of £800.
A spokesman for Glasgow Licensing Board said: "Complaints have been received about these premises and licensing standards officers are currently investigating." Police Scotland also confirmed that it was investigating.
Drew Smith, a Glasgow MSP, said he had written to the city council to ask if licensing provisions had been broken, adding: "I think most of us find the concept of a voyeur toilet disturbing. I would urge the management of this club to board it up and show their customers some respect.
"Women using a washroom should not have to worry about whether they are part of some kind of bizarre peep show."
The G1 Group, which runs the club, posted a message on its Facebook page stating that the mirror was a design feature created as "a bit of fun".
It said: "The vast majority of people who have visited the club have taken it as such. Its clear that those who are negatively commenting online may not have been lucky enough to get past the door staff yet and viewed the area.
"There has always been signage in the toilets but as a result of media feedback clearer signage has been put in place.
"We are committed to listening to you guys who are our core customer base. So if your feedback is that you want the mirror area to change then we will listen."
One customer called Amy complained about the mirror after visiting the club to celebrate her birthday. She said she saw men in booths adjacent to the mirror "making gestures".
She added: "Nowhere is it made clear that this is the case, so when visiting the bathroom for the first time, there are women bending over the sink, pouting into the mirror to redo their lipstick, adjusting themselves personally whilst unknowingly being watched by people on the other side."
She received an email reply from the nightclub operator which said a small disclaimer was printed on the mirror to warn that two-way glass was fitted.
The response added: "Firstly can I apologise that you have been offended, this is 100 per cent not our intention at all. The mirror detail in the ladies' toilet was put in as a talking point, only the ladies at the sinks can be seen, there is another mirror behind the wall for people to use who don't like the one at the sinks.
"I can assure you that if there was any behaviour deemed sexist or immoral or anyone was leering or making inappropriate gestures we would remove them from the club, and if necessary call the police.
"There is a small disclaimer on the mirror, however I will also look at making that bigger. We also have a toilet attendant who advises the ladies about the mirror. To date you are the first complaint, everyone else so far has seen it as we intended, as a bit of fun."
- Telegraph
The feature at The Shimmy Club apparently allows women to be watched while they are using a row of sinks.
The mirror, similar to those used by police when interviewing suspects, is between the lavatory and a function room rented to private parties at a cost of £800.
A spokesman for Glasgow Licensing Board said: "Complaints have been received about these premises and licensing standards officers are currently investigating." Police Scotland also confirmed that it was investigating.
Drew Smith, a Glasgow MSP, said he had written to the city council to ask if licensing provisions had been broken, adding: "I think most of us find the concept of a voyeur toilet disturbing. I would urge the management of this club to board it up and show their customers some respect.
"Women using a washroom should not have to worry about whether they are part of some kind of bizarre peep show."
The G1 Group, which runs the club, posted a message on its Facebook page stating that the mirror was a design feature created as "a bit of fun".
It said: "The vast majority of people who have visited the club have taken it as such. Its clear that those who are negatively commenting online may not have been lucky enough to get past the door staff yet and viewed the area.
"There has always been signage in the toilets but as a result of media feedback clearer signage has been put in place.
"We are committed to listening to you guys who are our core customer base. So if your feedback is that you want the mirror area to change then we will listen."
One customer called Amy complained about the mirror after visiting the club to celebrate her birthday. She said she saw men in booths adjacent to the mirror "making gestures".
She added: "Nowhere is it made clear that this is the case, so when visiting the bathroom for the first time, there are women bending over the sink, pouting into the mirror to redo their lipstick, adjusting themselves personally whilst unknowingly being watched by people on the other side."
She received an email reply from the nightclub operator which said a small disclaimer was printed on the mirror to warn that two-way glass was fitted.
The response added: "Firstly can I apologise that you have been offended, this is 100 per cent not our intention at all. The mirror detail in the ladies' toilet was put in as a talking point, only the ladies at the sinks can be seen, there is another mirror behind the wall for people to use who don't like the one at the sinks.
"I can assure you that if there was any behaviour deemed sexist or immoral or anyone was leering or making inappropriate gestures we would remove them from the club, and if necessary call the police.
"There is a small disclaimer on the mirror, however I will also look at making that bigger. We also have a toilet attendant who advises the ladies about the mirror. To date you are the first complaint, everyone else so far has seen it as we intended, as a bit of fun."
- Telegraph
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