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ONTARIO: Waterloo nightclub apologizes for offensive sign, promises inclusion training

The Drink, located in Uptown Waterloo, released a statement after a video surfaces online about a sign in their club saying 'I THOUGHT SHE WAS 18'
Waterloo nightclub offensive sign
The sign, 'I THOUGHT SHE WAS 18' was seen inside The Drink. The photo is a screenshot from a video of the incident posted on Waterloo resident Spencer Harrison's Facebook page.

KITCHENER - A nightclub in Uptown Waterloo has released an apology to patrons following a video surfacing online of an offensive sign seen at the club.

The sign, which says 'I THOUGHT SHE WAS 18,' was shown in a video being held at The Drink while a group of men laugh and take videos of the signs' content.

According to the The Drink, they give 'freedom to groups to make personalized messages' on these signs.

The video was uploaded to social media by resident Spencer Harrison and was posted on her personal Facebook page on Sunday, December 29th.

In her post, Harrison outlines the context of the video before directing her message to the business.

"I'm addressing the business within my hometown that finds it appropriate to blatantly promote RAPE culture," said Harrison in her Facebook post.

"The fact that they made this sign LETTER by letter, carried it into a group of men, whilst laughing and making LIGHT of 'F****** girls under the age of 17' is saddening, unacceptable, sickening and should not be tolerated."

Four hours after the post was uploaded, The Drink published a statement on their Facebook page, saying they not only apologize, but will provide training to prevent similar situations in the future.

"In order to prevent further issues, we are going to provide diversity, inclusion and safe space training to all staff, managers, promoters and DJs that in some way represent The Drink Uptown." said The Drink in their statement.

"The Ownership and Management of the Drink Uptown acknowledge that there is no place for this type of content and we sincerely apologize."

When reaching out to The Drink for further comments, representative, Chad Yurkin, says they have already contacted two groups to help educate their staff.

"We have been in touch with 2 organizations to conduct training, The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region and the Forgiveness Project (based in Toronto)." says Yurkin,

"We will also ensure that signs that are requested by VIP groups are reviewed to ensure that no inappropriate and offensive messaging is taken on the floor going forward."

To see the full statement from The Drink, click here.

- KitchenerToday.com/Rogers Media



Ariel Deutschmann

About the Author: Ariel Deutschmann

Ariel Deutschmann is a feature writer and reporter who covers community events, businesses, social initiatives, human interest stories and more involving Guelph and Wellington County
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