Nova Scotia considers new rules for bar bouncers, justice minister says
The Nova Scotia government is mulling over new regulations for bouncers, as revealed by Justice Minister Becky Druhan. This decision comes in the wake of criticism from family members of individuals who tragically lost their lives outside bars, pointing fingers at the province for lack of accountability.
At Province House last month, two family members publicly called out the government for introducing a bill that aimed to repeal legislation, including the Security and Investigative Services Act that was passed in 2010 but never came into effect due to not being proclaimed. This act would have mandated all security officials working at bars and lounges in the province to undergo criminal background checks, training, and licensing.
“The Department of Justice and Service Nova Scotia have been collaborating to explore our next steps,” stated Druhan. “We are scheduled to meet with the families to discuss the matter further.”
Following the tragic death of Ryan Sawyer outside the Halifax Alehouse in 2022, the province had implemented changes for bouncers at late-night bars holding cabaret licenses. Druhan refrained from disclosing whether the contemplated new regulations are akin to those conditions.
One of the vocal family members, Lee Sawyer, mother of Ryan Sawyer, expressed her bewilderment before MLAs in March regarding the non-proclamation of the Security and Investigative Services Act or the absence of a replacement. She emphasized that the rules implemented post her son’s death were inadequate and only applied to a handful of bars.
Lee Sawyer confirmed an upcoming meeting with government officials by the end of the month but remained unsure about the agenda. Other provinces like B.C., Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario have already established legislation concerning bouncers and security staff.
The family of Stephen Giffin relentlessly pushed for legislative changes following his tragic demise in 1999 after being assaulted by bouncers outside a downtown bar. It took 11 years for the Security and Investigative Services Act to be passed, a fact that Giffin’s family discovered only after the similar demise of Ryan Sawyer.
The province’s contemplation of new regulations for bouncers underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and accountability of security personnel in bars and lounges. As discussions progress, it remains imperative for stakeholders to collaborate and prioritize measures that uphold public safety and prevent further tragedies.
