Toronto SaferNightlife.info Survey

Lisa Campbell SalazarTRIP! Coordinator

Design by Carver Manuel-SmithToronto Safer Nightlife

ForumNovember 8, 2011

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Purpose of the Survey

To explore potentially risky behaviours of youth aged 19-29 in nightlife scene.To explore youth perceptions of practices in bars/clubs that may create risk/harm.To explore youth perceptions of practices in bars/clubs that may reduce risk/harm.

How the Survey Was Conducted

Led by TRIP! to inform work of Toronto Safer Nightlife Committee.

Survey was conducted in Summer 2010

In line and online surveys May be some bias toward TRIP! clients Cross-tabs: age, gender, frequency of

pre-drinking and area of residency

Who Participated?

334 people participated

71% were in target population = 19-29 year olds

53% female, 43% male, 1% transgendered, and 3% “other”

Majority (75%) from Toronto

Total Distribution in the GTA:

Distribution in Toronto

Pre-drinking

90% of respondents pre-drink

Frequency of pre-drinking – about 33% each “sometimes, often, always”

Pre-drinking decreased with age

Typical number of pre-drinks = 3 to 5

16% had 5 to 10 drinks before going out

No gender differences across questions

Reasons for Pre-Drinking

90% to save money 78% to socialize with

friends Consistent with literature Other reasons included: Lower inhibitions Reduce social anxiety Play drinking games Get drunk

Determining drinking limit

62% - when felt “drunk enough”36% - when ran out of money34% - when felt ill32% - at last callKey goal is to get drunk Older respondents less likely to drink to point of sickness

Illicit drug use

Majority (80%) use illicit drugs while in bars and clubsMore young men (88%) than women (74%) report use More common among youth 19-29Of concern, 76% of youth under 18 use illicit drugs in bars and clubs

Illicit Drug Use

Top drugs used : Amphetamine-type

substances (i.e. MDMA/ecstasy)

Hallucinogens (i.e. Ketamine)Cannabis

81% reported both pre-drinking and illicit drug use in bars/clubs

Mindful of local residents

58% tried to be mindful27% said it depended how drunk they wereSome said depended on area – didn’t see ED as residential areaNo differences between youth living in Toronto vs. youth from outside city

Health and Safety Issues

Harms related to substance use:

Illness (vomiting, blacking or passing out)

Losing personal belongings

Injury

Harms most often reported by frequent pre-drinkers

Youth under 18 and over 30 had lowest incidence of OD/alcohol poisoning

Health and Safety Harms

75% were approached to buy drugs in bars/clubs

Sexual and physical assaults – by patrons and bar/security staff.

Sexual assault reported most often by women (19-29).

Respondents over age 30 less likely to report assault or drug-related issues.

Harm reduction /safety strategies

Majority took some action to reduce harm; most frequent strategies:

Buddy system (70%)Eating/sleeping well before going out (69%)Drinking water throughout evening (68%)Limiting use of alcohol/other drugs (50%)Not mixing alcohol/other drugs (40%)

More women than men used HR strategies

Harm reduction/safety strategies

Safe transportation options:Public transit (80%)Walk (68%)Taxi (52%)Shared ride (47%)

We don’t know if driver had been drinking in “shared ride” example.

Potentially Harmful Bar Practices/Conditions

Key issues raised by youth:No access to free drinking waterBeing treated badly after becoming ill due to substance use

Other issues:Forced to check coat (68%)Being kicked out in winter without coat (21%)Being separated from friends who had been kicked out

Potentially harmful bar practices/conditions

Key issues related to the physical bar environment:

Lack of air conditioning/poor ventilation (86%)Overcrowding (86%)“Unsafe” venues (52%)

Positive Bar Practices

Can refill water bottle (72%)

Access to free, cold drinking water (72%)

Can take drink everywhere, including bathroom (50%)

Access to safer sex/drug use info (64%)

Access to chill out room (57%)

Access to medic room (46%)

Worst Experiences in Bars/Clubs

Mistreatment by security staff:Physical and sexual assaultDrug dealingDrug exploitation

Physical and sexual assault by other patrons

Lack of access to free drinking water

Best Experiences in Bars/Clubs

Cab stands & designated driver programsHealth and harm reduction supportsBenefits of good (nice) security

“To tell you the truth, raves always have the best safety set-ups in the city because they take the preventative measures necessary to keep kids safe. Clubs never ASSUME drug use, and as a result, they have a less informed, safety-conscious set of patrons.”

Suggestions for Action

Some youth did make suggestions for action, including:

More chill out and medic rooms Support from bar staff during illness or overdoseMore harm reduction information and services available

Keep the Conversation Going

Follow Us:

@SaferNightlife

@tripproject

Facebook.com/TRIPProject

TRIP! Project

www.safernightlife.info

info@tripproject.ca