The perceived effectiveness of the Restaurant Watch program in Vancouver, British Columbia

Gang violence in British Columbia poses a significant concern for law enforcement agencies and the public. In response to this violence, the Restaurant Watch program, a targeted enforcement strategy that deters unwanted gang-involved patrons from attending participating restaurants, was created and implemented in the city of Vancouver. The current study examined this program and its perceived effectiveness by key stakeholders. Data for this study was collected by conducting semi structured interviews with key stakeholders who enforce and participate in the program. The program’s objectives and operations were explored in the context of the gang landscape in British Columbia. Given that the Restaurant Watch program is unique, the author draws on the findings of other anti-gang deterrent projects, such as the Operation Ceasefire and the London’s Operation Shield, to explain and analyze the program’s objectives and methods. The findings suggest that the program is successful due to three important themes: (1) the impact on public safety; (2) the importance of partnership and open dialogue and; (3) the ability to deter inadmissible patrons from participating establishments.