SURREY, B.C. – On Thursday, December 6, the Surrey RCMP implemented the Inadmissible Patron Program (IPP). The program’s goal is to stop violence by gang members and their associates at local bars and restaurants. It is a recommendation that came from the Mayor’s Task Force on Gang Violence Prevention Report in July 2018.
The Surrey Board of Trade was deeply connected with the Mayor’s Task Force on Gang Violence Prevention as being the business voice at the table, offering insights on how the business community can contribute to keeping Surrey safe. “Businesses have a lot to lose when violent criminals patron their establishments,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “Business owners need to work closely with the City of Surrey and the Surrey RCMP to deter and report any signs of criminal activity, and the IPP is a crucial instrument in enhancing public safety in Surrey.”
“The Surrey Board of Trade’s role in the IPP will be to act as a communication mechanism to our members – and other possible roles when the time is right for the Surrey RCMP.”
The IPP will work to protect the safety of patrons, staff and the general public by giving police the legal authority, through authorization agreements and the BC Trespass Act, to remove individuals deemed as “inadmissible patrons” from participating establishments. An inadmissible patron is defined as a person whose lifestyle, associations and/or activities pose a risk to public safety, either directly or from third parties.
Surrey’s new IPP is being rolled out in a graduated approach with eight restaurants and bars participating in the initial launch and more being added as the program grows. There are also plans to expand the IPP to major public events in Surrey and possibly other types of businesses in the future.
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