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By Michael Reeve

Inadmissible patrons

Inadmissible patron program to help local bars and restaurants deal with unwanted guests

Dec 21, 2023 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — While overall police files did drop in the most recent quarter, businesses are still facing a 16 per cent increase in crime in Kamloops. That’s why the revival of the Inadmissible Patron Program (IPP) is being lauded as a step in the right direction.

“When we looked at our Impacts 2023 Survey from this November, it showed that these front-end restaurants, bars, that sort of thing, are where we are having the most of our conflicts with individuals. The IPP gives the RCMP the tool to act on that conflict and reduce the desire to come together in certain locations,” said North Shore Business Improvement Association Executive Director Jeremy Heighton.

The program was first established in 2018 but was shuttered during the COVID-19 years. Participating businesses will display signage at their entry explaining the program.

“It doesn’t put the onus on the owner to ask the person to leave — our (Kamloops RCMP) Crime Reduction Unit is available,” said acting Protective Services Director Will Beatty. “And through the RCMP as well, they can call the non-emergency line and mention that they are a part and parcel of the IPP… and have a member come and do that for them, as well.”

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While the program is aimed at gangs and organized crime, it also will help business protect themselves and their staff from repeat violent offenders.

“I get that it’s orientated towards the gangs but really, it’s about safety in the business and ensuring that staff are taken care of, and management is taken care of, and the business owners have a tool with which they can say, ‘This person is no longer acceptable here because they keep coming in and doing X, Y or Z,'” added Heighton.

Asked if he believes the sign will have an unintended consequence of painting a target on the business it strives to protect, Heighton noted it can’t get worse.

“I don’t think that business can be impacted any more than it has been over the last number of years,” said Heighton. “They have been significantly impacted by safety and security issues. I think what it tells the criminal element in Kamloops and the region as a whole is that we are not willing to accept you into our community in that way. We need to protect the citizens who live here, we need to step into this space and be aggressive with safety and security concerns in our community.”

The program takes effect on Friday (Dec. 22).