Belfast nightclub removes online videos after backlash
A Belfast nightclub has removed a number of videos on its social media pages after concerns were raised about the content and informed consent.
Lux on Dunbar Street in the Cathedral Quarter posted interview-style videos under its Fat Wednesdays brand â a club night aimed at students.
In the videos, an interviewer asks customers a range of questions such as dating red flags or ânaming and shamingâ their friendsâ worst story.
The clubâs management said after listening to concerns from a number of people, it had engaged with the promoter and the videos were being removed.
It also said it was stopping any content that is similar and will review the campaign going forward.
âThis content is suppose to be a bit of fun for students/customers and for the most part thatâs what it is,â a statement said.
âThey are very popular with our customers as they enjoy being involved in these videos.â
Green Party councillor Ăine Groogan said it was an âincredibly irresponsible campaignâ which had been dismissed as a bit of fun.
âIf you listen to some of the more graphic stuff, it is pretty damaging and there is a question about these young peopleâs ability to consent,â she told BBC News NIâs Evening Extra programme.
Two-tier consent system
Lux said the style of promotional video is popular amongst the clubâs demographic and similar videos had been used across the UK.
There is also a âtwo-tier stepâ system when it comes to the issue of consent, it added.
âCustomers are notified firstly when purchasing a ticket. Then on the night a follow up consent question is asked by the interviewer,â it explained.
Participants are then asked if consent to the video being shared on social media.
âIf the answer is no, the videos are deleted and unused.â
In regard to questions about intoxication, Lux management said security and bar staff are well trained and know when customers have had too much to drink.
Customers will be cut off and given water, or taken to a safe space before leaving the venue.
âWe always take a customers safety & enjoyment as a top priority,â it said.
Worries over âpotential consequencesâ
Ăine Groogan said some of those involved were âclearly highly intoxicatedâ and raised concerns about giving consent to content that could exist online forever.
She criticised the club for not thinking of the âlasting impactâ of the videos, and that its understanding of consent is âquite concerningâ.
âI really would worry about the potential consequences,â Ms Groogan added.
Tegan Nesbitt, who is involved in a number of campaigns affecting young women, said the videos use young people as âmarketing probesâ for the nightclub.
She also said they raise an important issue around libel and slander.
Often in the videos full names are used with zero discretion.
âItâs beyond damaging,â she said.
âYouâre not in school anymore, you can be trialled as an adult if youâre participating or even sharing these videos so itâs extremely, extremely damaging both for the community and personally.â