There seems to be no end to the spread of CCTV surveillance cameras in the UK. Soon it seems we won’t even be able to enjoy a drink without being watched.

The latest target for the snoopers is the great British pub. Of course pubs, clubs etc have always installed CCTV when and where they felt it necessary, but only if they had reason to suspect a problem. Now the police want this surveillance to become routine even in pubs with no history of trouble.

The Mail reports on the growing number of police forces refusing to support licence applications unless the licensee installs CCTV cameras and agrees to hand over any footage “requested” (which presumably means “without a warrant”).

This already the norm in sonme areas of London, notably Richmond and Islington where “all applicants for permission to sell alcohol are being told they must fit CCTV”. The policy is also spreading with Essex and Northamptonshire police wanting CCTV installed on late-opening premises.

So far the compulsory cameras are outside buildings, however once these become the norm it would be a small step to the police insisting on them being installed inside as well. Again, many premises already have these - but that is their choice.

The Information Commissioner is “seriously concerned” by this latest invasion of privacy which is being introduced insiiously without debate or legislation. Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith said:

Hardwiring surveillance into pubs raises serious privacy concerns. Installing surveillance in pubs to combat specific problems of rowdiness and bad behaviour may be lawful, but blanket measures where there is no history of criminal activity is likely to breach data protection requirements.

Use of CCTV must be reasonable and proportionate if we are to maintain public trust and confidence in its deployment.

Personally I’ve already lost trust and confidence in the UK’s blanket CCTV coverage.

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