Legal query: Video in pool room?

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Dedeye1209

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi everyone. I have a question for anyone and everyone with experience and knowledge of this subject.

I got a new digital camcorder for the purpose, primarily, of recording MYSELF at the pool table and using it to improve my own game. I have also taken some video of various tournament matches and shared them with a number of players whom I have recorded. Most were grateful.

Last week the room owner approached me, saying that I was required by law to have written permission from everyone being recorded in order to take video. So, I packed up my camera, went home, and started to read up on the subject.

According to what I have found, there are two sets of laws, one for private property, and one for public. A pool hall is similar to a restaurant/bar (this establishment is also a restaurant and bar) in that, although private property, it is essentially a public place. So apart from areas that are not open to the public, and restrooms, the laws governing public areas are the ones that apply.

The exception is if the video is to be used for ANY commercial venture, then the videographer MUST obtain written permission for its use.

Soooo, from what I have been able to find, I am legally allowed to video anyone in the public area, regardless whether they wish to be on camera or not. There is also a legal term called "single-party consent," which says that if one party consents to filming, the other(s) does not even have to give consent, or even be asked. Furthermore, I apparently can do anything I wish with the video, including posting on social media such as Facebook or YouTube.

Now, I try to get along with everyone, so if someone said to me, "I do not want to be on camera," I would abide by their wishes, most likely.

Please help me out here, any input or knowledge of this would be helpful.

Thanks,
Brad
 
I'd say it's complicated! First off I'd look into local laws regarding rights to privacy etc. Also if the owner objects for any reason you are done, seeing you are in his place. The place I play most has security cameras throughout the public area that are on all the time. Do I give up my rights to privacy just being there - I dunno - probably. Another thing to consider - what if your camera picks up something other than you shooting on table 6!? Some background event that later turns into a legal issue. You may end up involved in more than you wanted to be.
 
flyrv9 said:
I'd say it's complicated! First off I'd look into local laws regarding rights to privacy etc. Also if the owner objects for any reason you are done, seeing you are in his place. The place I play most has security cameras throughout the public area that are on all the time. Do I give up my rights to privacy just being there - I dunno - probably. Another thing to consider - what if your camera picks up something other than you shooting on table 6!? Some background event that later turns into a legal issue. You may end up involved in more than you wanted to be.
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This is more or less correct. You should not assume privacy in a private space, but even if the owner has security cameras, chances are high he has a sign they are there somewhere.

That said, it is up to him since it his property, it isn't your property. You can tell him what you found, and ask for his permission to film.

He may have approached because someone else there approached him and said they didn't want to be filmed. I doubt he just decided to come and tell you that.

Even if he gives permission, If I were you I would approach anyone you film and tell them it wont be publicized and ask if it is ok.
 
I pretty much have given up on it anyway. I will only be filming myself and my friends who want to be recorded for improvement.

Incidentally, you cannot film subversively. If you are filming (like in a security camera situation) there must be a sign in plain sight with a disclaimer.

Also, there is a BIG legal difference in me, as a private citizen filming, and anyone associated with the pool hall doing it. If THEY want to record, they DO HAVE to get written permission.
 
Half of the people that object believe you're going to steal their soul. The other half are afraid you'll show the video to the police that are after them.
 
The camera will get you in trouble just ask Aberham Zupruder, frame 313 I believe!
 
My first question to him would be if he had written permission from everyone for those security cameras he has? His answer will of course be "No" he has a sign posted, thus you have no need for it as well.

He is, however, able to ask you to leave the property and have a law enforcement assist with your removal if need be.
 
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next time ask permission first and maybe you would get it if explained properly.

what you were doing likely would also hurt his business. as most customers dont want to be filmed and do not know what you may do with it.
 
maha said:
next time ask permission first and maybe you would get it if explained properly.

what you were doing likely would also hurt his business. as most customers dont want to be filmed and do not know what you may do with it.
Click to expand...

I would agree with asking first the owner first, however, if the camera is in plain sight as it would be and he has security cameras and signs indicating so as he should, then the customers would have no expectation of privacy to begin with and would think nothing of it.

In this day and age when every phone has a 720 or 1080p camera on it you would be a fool to think you have any privacy when you are in a public place.
 
I record every lesson I do, even in poolrooms. I always speak to the owner or manager so they are aware of what I'm doing. I only record the table we're on, and the students involved. I've never been turned down. Like someone else said, ask first, and likely there will be no issue. :D

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
 
On average you are photographed like 29 times per day without your knowledge anyway. The bar owner is not correct. He is completely mistaken. Do you make money off of your video? If you don't. You are perfectly within your rights to video. If someone in the bar asked you not to video them and to set it up where you couldn't see them. Then the nice thing to do is to move the camera and be respectful.

Now the bar owner or hall owner has rights too. He could ask you to leave or whatever. But he can't site laws that do not exist or make stuff up.
 
Finally!

Someone who knows the law and shares my viewpoint. As I said, if someone simply asked me not to record, I would respect that. But apparently someone got all uptight and went to the owner instead of coming to me.

Thanks!
 
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