Cameras removed from pub’s toilets

CONTROVERSIAL cameras placed in the toilets of one of Cork’s most popular bars have been disconnected, according to the Data Protection Commissioner.

The commissioner launched an investigation into claims that the cameras, in the SoHo Bar on Grand Parade, breached the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 because they infringed on privacy.

The complaint was made by former Lord Mayor of Cork Joe O’Callaghan.

Lorraine O’Brien, an investigations officer with the Data Protection Commissioner’s office, wrote to the councillor in recent days informing him that it was hoped to complete an investigation of his complaint within six to eight weeks.

“The first step in the investigation is to give the party about whom the matter has been brought to our attention an opportunity to respond,” she advised. “In this case, following our intervention, SoHo Bar has disconnected the cameras in the toilets and, therefore, the images are not being recorded at present.”

Mr O’Callaghan said he was pleased the investigation was underway. However, the councillor said he was horrified recently to see a camera perched right over the urinal after “spending a penny” in the gent’s lavatory. The cameras, which look like smoke detectors, were also installed in the ladies toilets at the €10 million bar and restaurant.

SoHo management said that while the camera in the gent’s toilets was positioned over the urinal it didn’t look down, but was instead fixed to take images across the room.

Management claimed they didn’t take any images which would be considered a breach of privacy. The cameras, they said, had been installed in the interests of security and the safety of their patrons.

Toilets in pubs have been known to be flashpoints for violence and also a favourite haunt of drug dealers. SoHo said it was imperative that its security staff were in a position to act quickly if a fight or drug dealing was spotted.

The management also said the cameras could be used to counter bogus compensation claims.