all it a sign of the times – a rather sad one at that – but Vancouver has implemented a new sticker system that will allow potential partygoers to identify safe clubs from those more prone to break a law or two.

The Vancouver Police Department is teaming up with Barwatch to paint the town red – red decals, that is. Bars that have been inspected and approved will receive red decals that they can affix to their front door to prove they abide to the highest standards of safety. These standards include metal detectors, ID scanners and a responsible beverage service system. Bars and clubs will also be prone to random inspections in order to ensure they are maintaining their standards, with the penalty for not doing so being the removal of safety approval.

The program will not only benefit the owners of “safe” bars, who will assumedly gain more business from clubbers who want peace of mind, but staff members as well. Under the program, police can enter the bar to remove unruly patrons causing problems, without permission from the bar. This prevents staff members from being put in the awkward –and often dangerous – position of having to get intoxicated and on-edge guests to go home.

The one-year pilot project starts off with about twenty bars in and around Granville Street. Other cities, such as San Francisco and Calgary, have shown interest in the program and will be watching closely to see just how effective it is. In the meantime, enjoy your nights out at red-decaled clubs and be sure to sport some Kevlar at those lacking the seal of safety. Cheers.