Audience Code of Conduct

  1. The following code of conduct for attending the ADC Theatre and Corpus Playroom has been created to safeguard the ADC and its patrons. We strive to present a welcoming, safe environment free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment and abuse.
  2. We expect patrons not to conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause discomfort, inconvenience or annoyance to other patrons or to behave in such a manner as to bring the ADC into disrepute.
  3. Patrons are expected at all times to not act in any way that endangers themselves or those around them.
  4. We expect patrons to adhere the University’s Dignity at Work policy, in which discrimination and harassment are unacceptable. More information at this policy can be found at https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/policies-procedures/dignity-work-policy
  5. Should any guest feel harassed in any way or observe any harassment of patrons or staff by any other guest or staff, the observer is encouraged to inform the Duty Manager immediately. The informant’s anonymity will be respected at all times, unless waived by the informant or if we are required to pass details to a responsible authority.
    1. Harassment includes offensive verbal or written comments related to profession, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, sexual activity and unwelcome sexual attention.
    2. We do not tolerate disruptive behaviour including repeated interruption, inebriation (or similar intoxication) and open aggression.
    3. Patrons asked to stop any inappropriate or disruptive behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
  6. Patrons should not use the ADC for the purposes of any trade, profession or business or in a manner prejudicial to our interests.
  7. Patrons cannot consume any food or drink on the ADC Theatre premises that has not been bought from the ADC Bar. Food or drink should not be consumed at the Corpus Playroom, with the exception of bottled water.
  8. Children are welcome at the ADC Theatre and Corpus Playroom, provided that anyone under the age of 14 is supervised by an adult (and such supervision is not less than 1 adult per 10 children). We ask that parents and guardians prevent disruption by children to other patrons and operations. We ask that children younger than 14 vacate the venue by 10pm, unless attending a private event or scheduled ticketed performance during which the former condition relating to supervision and disruption applies.
    1. Children under the age of 16 should not be left unsupervised inside the ADC Bar.
  9. We do not operate a formal dress code but we do ask that patrons are presentably dressed in a manner that is not intended to cause offence. Patrons may be refused entry who are deemed to be dressed in a manner that is intentionally provocative.
  10. Any accident or injury occurring on the premises must be reported to staff at the time of occurrence to allow for full support and investigation. Failure to do so will prevent us acting in accordance with Health & Safety obligations and insurance conditions.
  11. In attending our premises, patrons agree to enjoy our hospitality and entertainment in accordance with common law. Should any guest feel that they have not received the level of service or product expected of the ADC, they must first make their complaint known to the staff who will escalate the grievance as set out within our complaints procedure. Failure to follow these conditions by the guest may prevent a satisfactory resolution for both the complainant and the ADC.
  12. Smoking, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is permitted on the Bar terrace of the ADC Theatre, and not anywhere else inside the building nor the yard outside the building. Smoking, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere in the Corpus Playroom.
  13. For licencing reasons, no alcohol purchased at the ADC Theatre may be consumed outside of the premises.
  14. We kindly ask that, when exiting our premises, patrons do so in a manner respectful to our neighbours.
  15. No animals are permitted on our premises with the exception of those required for assistance and those required for the artistic programme.
  16. During ticketed performances glassware and china cannot be brought into the auditorium. Plastic glasses and paper cups are available at the bar.
  17. There are no cloakroom facilities at the ADC. Patrons can leave buggies and large bags with our Front of House staff at their own risk during a performance.

Appendix

  1. We reserve the right to remove any guest at any time that is under suspicion of acting inappropriately or counter to this code of conduct. Should any guest be removed from our premises, they may forfeit any further right to enter our premises, use their membership and/or be barred from subsequent entry. We will offer no reimbursement of financial loss that the guest will incur as a consequence of our need to take action. Patrons who are participants in shows at the ADC Theatre or Corpus Playroom might be asked to step down from participating in these shows for either a period of time or indefinitely.
  2. We reserve the right of refusal:
    1. The ADC is a venue for “public accommodation” not a “public place” and a member of the public cannot insist on attendance.
    2. We will never refuse entry or service on the grounds of sex, race, disability, gender, sexual orientation and religion or belief.
    3. Being refused actual entry to the premises is a simple extension of the right of refusal to serve.
    4. The licensing objectives (namely the prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, protection of children from harm and public safety) will always be of greatest concern to us, especially preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm.
    5. It is a criminal offence to sell alcohol to a person aged under the age of 18. We operate a Challenge 25 policy. More information is available at https://www.wsta.co.uk/challenge-25.
    6. A drunken person must always be refused entry and service.
    7. A disruptive audience member or guest may be refused entry or ejected if their behaviour is considered intimidating or a nuisance. A person is guilty of a public nuisance (also known as common nuisance), who (a) does an act not warranted by law, or (b) omits to discharge a legal duty, if the effect of the act or omission is to endanger the life, health, property or comfort of the public, or to obstruct the public in the exercise or enjoyment of rights common to all Her Majesty’s subjects.
  3. We will seek to ensure the health and safety of our patrons in accordance with this code of conduct. We are not liable to any guest for any loss, damage or injury that occurs as a result of any action that is not in accordance with this code of conduct.