A bouncer has criticised government plans to tackle workplace harassment, arguing that policing what people say in pubs is impractical and could harm the industry. Writing in The Independent, the door supervisor dismissed recent headlines about 'banter bouncers' as clickbait, noting that six pubs and three clubs close every week in the UK.
The Employment Rights Bill, due to be debated when MPs return from recess, includes a requirement for employers to 'take all reasonable steps' to prevent harassment by third parties. A TUC poll found three in five women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work, and the union highlighted abuse faced by shop workers and NHS staff from customers. However, the bouncer said the clause leaves interpretation to employers.
He said his focus is on hands near women's drinks or underage drinking, not harsh language unless it causes serious upset. He questioned what constitutes 'banter' and argued that trying to police speech after a few drinks is 'completely unreasonable' and 'commercial death'. He noted that 18 to 34-year-olds make up 28% of pub clientele, and a quarter prefer messaging to talking.
The bouncer suggested that digital monitoring might be more appropriate, but warned against overreach. He said the 'banter bouncer' headlines seem designed to wind people up, and he has not seen the threats to his way of life that some warn about. He noted the prime minister's pledge to crack down on potential rioters and the issuing of tasers to prison staff.
He concluded that door crew should not be made to carry extra tools for language patrol, as the job is to stop trouble, not ignite it. High prices and lagging wages can leave people close to blowing up over a rude word. He advised consulting Countdown's lexicographer Susie Dent, who shared the term 'lalochezia' for swearing to relieve stress, and 'circumlocutionist' for roundabout speech.
