Know the Line is focusing on public places including cafés, restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs and clubs. The campaign is asking hospitality venues across the city of Sheffield to introduce a zero tolerance on sexual harassment and violence.

The campaign was launched in May 2021 following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions for catering and hospitality venues.

Paul Blomfield spoke to students and staff about the campaign during a visit to the Silver Plate Restaurant on 18th June, 2021. He said: “I am pleased that the Silver Plate is backing our campaign by pledging to tackle sexual harassment and create a safe environment for students, staff and customers.

“I was pleased to meet students and hear their experience of sexual harassment which nobody should tolerate. As people looking forward to great careers in the hospitality sector, I was also encouraged to hear their determination to do things differently."

The Silver Plate Restaurant has signed the campaign pledge, which commits to:

• Providing a great environment for all our customers and staff.
• Protecting everyone with zero tolerance of sexual harassment.
• Promoting these values and responding seriously to any complaints about inappropriate behaviour.

Student Joe Cooper, 17, whose ambition is to become a chef and run his own restaurant, added: “I think the campaign is great for young people in the catering and hospitality industry as it educates us on what sexual harassment in the workplace is and the impact that it can have on those affected. When we get to the top of our careers, for example, as head chefs, we won’t stand for it at all.”

To find out more about the campaign, visit the Know The Line website.