A PUB in Prestatyn has explained its reasoning for operating closed-circuit television (CCTV) in its toilet areas after a woman was left “gobsmacked” to find it in use.

The woman, who asked not to be named, visited Bar 236, on High Street, on Bank Holiday Monday (Sep 19), and told the Journal “how appalled I was” to find CCTV in operation in the ladies’ toilets.

Bar 236 has since said that the CCTV was professionally installed and does not cover inside the cubical areas of the premises.

There is no specific legislation that references the use of cameras in toilets in the UK.

Asked if the woman, who said that she visits Bar 236 regularly, had noticed the CCTV in the toilets on previous visits, she replied: “Definitely not that I noticed. I was gobsmacked.”

Though, Bar 236 added that the CCTV and relevant signage has been in place for more than two years.

The woman said: “I think it's a step too far. No matter what the reason, CCTV in a toilet is not the way to deal with things.

“I’d only popped in for one drink, and as I got up to go to the toilet, there is a small sign saying: ‘Warning: CCTV in operation on the toilet door’. I was really shocked, actually.

“When I went inside, there was another sign near the sink area, telling you again. It (camera) is as you walk in, on the top left-hand side.”

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The woman added that she will not return to Bar 236 until CCTV is no longer in place in the toilet areas.

She said: “I didn't tell anyone else; it was pretty quiet in there – there was only a young lad behind the bar. I want it removing, that's all.

“I used the bathroom and left. We have been going to Bar 236 for two years; I go all the time, but I won't return until it’s removed.

“I understand pubs are struggling at the moment, and have been for a long time. The last thing I want to do is cause trouble, but I don’t want that to be a thing. It makes you feel unsafe.”

In response, Bar 236 added that the CCTV was set up in the toilets to protect the safety and security of both staff and customers.

The pub also apologised for making the woman feel ill-at-ease.

A Bar 236 spokesperson said: “Firstly, we can assure you that the CCTV was installed by a professional and they meet regulations i.e – they do not cover inside the cubical and just cover the ‘common area’/ handwashing area.

“So, to say that the camera is ‘in the toilet’ is wrong.

“We apologise for making the lady feel ‘unsafe’, however that is the whole reasoning for the cameras being installed in the first place.

“We have had many issues over the years and installed the CCTV for the safety and security of our staff and customers.

“The CCTV is held securely and only reviewed should an incident be reported, illegal activities reported, or damage caused.

“The lady states that she visits us regularly, however the cameras and signage have been in place for over two years.

“Had the customer expressed her concerns to a member of staff, this would have been explained to her without the need for her to go to the local paper as she also says she ‘understands that pubs are struggling, and she doesn’t want to cause trouble’.

“Hopefully this clears up any concerns, but the CCTV is in place for security and safety reasons.”