FIGURES have revealed which Bournemouth nightclubs and bars have the highest number of reported sexual offences in the past three years.

Cameo and Myu Bar, on Fir Vale Road in Bournemouth, was highlighted as having the most reports, with a total of 20 split between the two premises.

A spokesperson for Cameo, which had more than double the reports of any other club on the list, insisted it has suitable CCTV and safety procedures in place.

Read more: Club CEO says sex offence FOI is a 'witch hunt' against venues

The Freedom of Information request details the number of sexual offences reported within licensed premises between January 1, 2020 and May 21, 2023.

The figures highlight reports of sexual offences, rather than prosecutions.

A spokesperson for Cameo said the safety and enjoyment of guests is a 'number one priority', with extensive CCTV throughout the venue and a 'We Care' scheme including Ask Angela. 

They added: “We would encourage anyone who believes that they may have been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report it to our team members who are specially trained to support potential victims.”

Halo Bournemouth and 1812, both on Exeter Road, were listed as the second highest with seven reports each.

Ty Tymel, CEO of Halo, said: “I’m extremely disappointed that I’m even having to comment on this and yet again try and fend off attacks to the late-night economy.

“Firstly, I think putting every incident under one bracket is nothing more than scaremongering.

“The public need to have the real data and know what is deemed as a sexual assault.

“And I don’t mean this to sound insensitive or belittle anyone’s experiences it’s more for the public to understand what it actually is you are saying.

“We as Halo report everything as none of it is acceptable regardless how serious or small it may be we believe this is the right thing to do people should feel safe in venues.

“Part of the problem is, if you report incidents or confiscate drugs you end up in this position where all of a sudden the media is portraying your venue or the industry to have a problem with incidents and drugs but any venue that has zero reports of incidents or drugs are just not reporting and not being truthful.

“We have a duty of care to the public as a venue to provide a safe and fun environment and regardless how bad it may look on us as a venue the right thing to do is report and the fact that we are now being penalised for that is outrageous.”

He added that the report feels like ‘a witch hunt and secondly a direct attack’ towards an ‘already struggling night-time economy’.

“Venues are safe places," he added. 

“We have ID scanners that record every single human that comes in regardless of age, we have a team of security, we have CCTV, we have 501 radio system that connects to all venues and police instantly allowing us to share information in real time and we work very proactively work with the police and authorities to ensure we do our best.

“But yet again we are attacking nightclubs because they are an easy target.”

The Echo contacted 1812 with an opportunity to comment.

READ MORE: Hundreds of rapes reported in Bournemouth in two years

Cllr Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services, said BCP Council work in partnership with licensed night-time establishments and Dorset Police to keep people safe across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The Crime Reduction Partnership allows local venues to escalate incident of violence or sexual offences with direct radio links to the police.

As part of the safer streets initiative, BCP Council will be installing new camera in areas such as Horseshoe Common and West Hill as well as launching a women’s night-time economy charter.

Cllr Wilson said: “We want people to feel confident in reporting incidents, especially those that occur in licensed premises, and encourage them to approach security staff or contact the police directly.

“Nobody enjoying a night out in our town should be made to feel vulnerable or unsafe, and we want everyone to feel confident they will be fully supported and listened too should they report an incident.”

Neighbourhood chief inspector Darren Harris, of BCP, said: “We are aware that some sexual offences take place in public places and our officers carry out regular patrols in Bournemouth town centre, including as part of Op Fireglow and Op Nightjar, that are linked into the night-time economy to target key crime hotspots. We also work closely with our partners in the night-time economy including licensed premises.

“Anyone who feels unsafe while out in the town centre is encouraged to approach a police officer, police community support officer, RNLI Lifeguard, member of staff working at licensed premises, street pastors or council employees to report their concerns and we will do everything we can to provide help and support.

“We have strengthened our joint approach with our partners with a focus on high visibility and improving the area to ensure it remains safe and residents and visitors feel safe.”

Superintendent Joan Carmichael continued: “We would strongly encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it to police.

“It is important if you don't want to talk to us, or if you want extra support, to know that there are lots of people who can help. You are in control, and it's up to you who you talk to and what help you get.

“A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is a place you can go after a rape or sexual assault to get confidential medical, practical and emotional support from specialist doctors, nurses and support workers.

"We can refer you to a SARC or you can refer yourself without involving us at all. You can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954."

For more information visit the Dorset Police website.