Our commitment to safety

At CAMP, we're dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone in our community can feel safe, respected and celebrated. This policy outlines how we maintain that environment and what you can expect from us – and what we expect from you – when you're in our space.

Core values

CAMP exists as a safe space for the queer community and its allies. Our policies reflect our commitment to protecting the integrity of this space while ensuring everyone has a good time.

Absolutely no discrimination

CAMP has no room for:

• Racism or racial microaggressions

• Homophobia, transphobia or queerphobia of any kind

• Sexism or misogyny

• Ableism or inaccessible behaviour

• Religious discrimination

• Body shaming or fatphobia

• Class discrimination

• Neurodivergent discrimination

We expect everyone to respect each other's identities, pronouns and boundaries. If you're unsure about something, approach with humility and a willingness to learn.

Harassment policy

We have a zero-tolerance approach to harassment of any kind:

• If you experience or witness harassment, please report it immediately to any staff member or security (where present).

• All reports will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

• Anyone found to be harassing others will be asked to leave immediately and we reserve the right to limit or deny future access to CAMP.

• Remember: consent matters in all interactions. Always ask before touching someone, taking their photo or joining their conversation.

What constitutes harassment at CAMP?

• Unwanted touching or groping

• Verbal abuse or shouting at someone

• Persistent pestering

• Taking photographs without permission

• Unwanted attempts to touch, hug or kiss someone

• Staring or leering

• Following a person around, or refusing to leave them alone

• Exposing oneself

• Dancing too close to someone you don’t know

• Demanding drinks

• Any behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe

We take accusations of harassment seriously, and anyone reported to be harassing patrons or staff will be asked to leave and face a ban.

Community-focussed space

To maintain CAMP as a community-centered space:

• We do not accommodate hen or stag parties. While we appreciate that queer bars are fun places to celebrate, experience has shown these groups can disrupt the safe atmosphere we strive to maintain for our community of regulars.

• Large groups unaffiliated with the queer community may be asked about their intentions when entering the space to ensure alignment with our values. We reserve the right to deny entry without cause or explanation – please respect our decision and know that it’s not always personal. 

Substance use and behavior

While we serve alcohol, we expect everyone to maintain control of their behavior. Excessive intoxication that leads to disruptive or disrespectful behavior may result in being asked to leave.

Use of illegal substances is not permitted on the premises.

Drink spiking is a serious offense and will result in immediate removal and a permanent ban. We take all reports of suspected spiking seriously and will involve authorities as appropriate.

Look out for each other—if you see someone vulnerable, notify staff.

Photography and social media

Always ask permission before taking photos of other patrons. Remember that not everyone is ‘out’ in all contexts – respect everyone’s privacy.

CAMP operates CCTV and we reserve the right to supply footage to relevant authorities.

How we handle issues

• Verbal warning: for minor first-time issues, we'll have a conversation.

• Formal warning: repeated or more serious behavior will receive a clear warning.

• Removal: continued issues or serious violations will result in being asked to leave.

• Ban: in severe cases, we may issue temporary or permanent bans from CAMP.

Please remember that we’re just humans and we’re trying our best. We understand that some situations aren’t black and white, but our owners and staff have to make judgement calls – often under extreme pressure – to safeguard our community. 

If you’ve received a warning or a ban, we’d be happy to discuss it with you when it’s appropriate to do so.

Feedback and continuous improvement

We're always looking to improve. If you have suggestions about how we can make CAMP safer and more welcoming, please share them with one of the CAMP co-owners. 

Contact information

In-person: speak to any staff member wearing a CAMP badge

General email: hello@campmargate.com with RE: safeguarding in the subject line - this email address is monitored by one of the CAMP co-founders and emails will be responded to within 24 hours. Please state in your email how you would prefer to be contacted and include phone numbers where comfortable to do so. 

CAMP co-owner’s emails:

Sophie Hall: sophie@campmargate.com
Jess Hall: jess@campmargate.com
Derek Du Preez: derek@campmargate.com
Olivia Lloyd: olivia@campmargate.com
Jesse Du Preez: jessie@campmargate.com

Remember, CAMP is what we all make it. Thank you for helping us create a space where everyone can feel at home, have fun and be themselves without fear.

Review date

This policy was last updated on 15 April 2025. We review our safeguarding policies quarterly to ensure they remain effective and responsive to our community's needs.