club privacy

[quebec12]

We're newbies, and have decided to go to an on-premise club. Our concern is privacy. The clubs we looked at requires registration, ie. personal info. Is there a concern?

[Tom & Bonnie]

I guess it all depends on why the club in question is asking for the information, what they intend to do with it and what they know about collecting the information...

In our case, we collect the personal information in order to protect the privacy of all our other members. All members and guests to our club must sign a membership application and statement that covers the rules and two very important legal statements. Those being they understand that the club is a private place and that they won't be offended by nudity or sexual display/activities. By doing so, we are in compliance with any laws in our state that would otherwise make things illegal. And, since this is a legal document, we must know that the signers are who they say they are. Therefore, anyone who would want to come into the club and try and do us harm by stating they were offended can't because we have a 100% id check.

Now, in order to protect the identities of our members we have a US Supreme Court decision (NAACP v. ALABAMA, 357 U.S. 449 [1958]) that protects their anonymity. That being the rights of individuals being free to assemble and associate without fear of being identified to the government. Now in Canada, with your supreme court ruling that swingers clubs were legal I would think you would have even less to worry about being identified.

So, no, I would not be worried...

[graygo98]

In spite of the name, Quebec12 seems to be coming in from NJ, not the land of ice and snow. Can't really add anything to the above about the situation south of the border.

In Canada, though, the Supremes didn't actually rule "swinging" was legal. The decided that in the cases before them an (illegal) indecent act had not been committed because the charged behaviour did not happen "in public" and so did not offend against community values.

A club that is very careful to establish it is a private place to which the general public does not have access is trying to protect you (and themselves) from arrest. Requiring a detailed application and keeping a membership list helps do that. If it simply sells $40 "memberships" at the door to anyone with cash in hand I wouldn't be so comfortable attending. Anyone attending such a club under the assumption that "swinging" is legal in Canada might be in for an unpleasant surprise.

[BiloxiCouple]

That is why good club owners consult a lawyer first. To ensure legal problems don't arise.

Then there are people who go on Crusades against a club in their area and create problems.

[Tom & Bonnie]

hmmm...

I could've sworn that when I answered the original post, Quebec12's location said "Ontario"

Oh, and I stand corrected on the Canadian Supreme's ruling... It does indeed say in a private place so as long as the clubs maintain their private status by enforcing membership, etc. you should be alright.