Smart Serve sexual violence training welcome for Timmins bar, bartender
The addition of new training on how to handle sexual violence in the Smart Serve program, officially announced Friday, is a welcome one for bars and bartenders in Timmins.
For Kim Sergerie-Donovan, general manager of the Surge Sports Lounge, it's a move that she was surprised hadn't come sooner.
"I think it should have happened a long time ago," said Sergerie-Donovan. "Sexual harassment in the workplace or violence has been in workplaces forever, so I'm glad they added it to the Smart Serve."
Pre-COVID Statistics Canada numbers show that the most common location for reported cases of serious unwanted sexual behaviour is in restaurants and bars.
The new training module takes people through different scenarios where sexual harassment and drug-facilitated sexual assault could be taking place, highlights issues to look out for and suggests ways to handle them.
Local bartender Ben Nash said he's always tried to be diligent about noticing and dealing with unwanted sexual advances in his work. Having some additional guidance is helpful.
"We're always down with things that are going to make people feel more safe with coming out to the bar," said Nash, adding it's also important for customers to alert staff when they're feeling unsafe.
"Obviously, that's part of our job to make people feel safe and welcome, so ... if it helps other people, it helps us out and it keeps everything running smoothly."
The new module is meant to be complementary to existing sexual violence policies and people already Smart Serve certified don't need to retake the program.
Sergerie-Donovan said she's hoping to update her staff about the module when the bar gets a routine visit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which oversees the program.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.