Gang members and violent criminals beware – New Westminster police and local businesses don’t want your kind in the community.
That’s the message circulating throughout the city, as promotion for the police department’s newest program ramps up.
The inadmissible patron program is a voluntary partnership between businesses in New Westminster and the police department, described as a proactive initiative by the police department to discourage unwanted criminals from frequenting businesses in the city.
“The goal of the program is to increase the public and staff safety … by deterring the gang and violent criminal activity,” said Acting Sgt. Dave Zemlak, the program’s liaison officer.
Any business, be it a bar, club, restaurant or fast food joint, can sign up with the department at no cost and in return, Zemlak will conduct a short information session for employees of the business. The session covers the four elements of the program – a window decal displaying the business’ participation in the program; a network of businesses dedicated to a safe and enjoyable customer experience; and an agreement that individuals and groups involved in gang and/or violent criminal activity are not welcome in participating businesses.
The final element is allowing any New Westminster police officer, on the behalf of the business, to remove or bar individuals from the establishment, Zemlak explained.
“It’s the known gang members or people who live that violent lifestyle that could bring a potential danger to citizens of New West or the patrons of these businesses by just being present when something dangerous happens,” he said.
By removing the criminal element from businesses, it removes the potential for innocent bystanders being injured or killed if violence ensues – such as drive-by shootings, Zemlak added.
The program officially began Sept. 1, but the first businesses didn’t sign up until November, starting with Status Nightclub and Browns Social House.
“We’re a big supporter of it (the program),” said Craig Lust, owner of Browns Social Houses in New Westminster, Surrey and Richmond.
Lust is part of a similar program at Browns’ Surrey location. While Browns in Sapperton has never had a problem with gangs or criminal activity, Lust was eager to join the New Westminster program when it was officially launched last month as a proactive measure.
“(It provides) a sense of security and safety for staff and customers knowing that the people in the restaurant are people we want in the restaurant,” he said.
When asked if he was worried the program would deter customers from eating at his establishment, Lust was adamant that thought had never crossed his mind.
“I think it’s the complete opposite. People know that they come to a restaurant where they know they’re not going to be beside people they don’t want to be beside,” he said. “Anytime that you create a safe environment for people to go, whether you’re shopping, whether you’re going out for dinner or grabbing a coffee, I can’t see why it wouldn’t be a positive (thing) for all businesses.”\
Any businesses interested in joining the program can contact Zemlak at 604-529-2567 or by email at dzemlak@nwpolice.org.
