New industry event to tackle sexual harassment in Toronto restaurants

A new event series geared towards Toronto restaurant workers will address sexual harassment in the industry next week.

The event, hosted by Ivy Knight, is the first installment of the Industry Sessions, a new series aimed at engaging “in meaningful discussion on topics that affect the restaurant and hospitality industry.”

Knight is one of the authors who exposed celebrity winemaker Norm Hardie’s “wide-ranging pattern of alleged sexual advances and sexual harassment,” in a Globe investigation that published in June.

The initiative aims to combat sexual misconduct in the hospitality industry and provide resources to victims. To further the discussion Knight has assembled a panel from across the industry including:

• Flora Vineberg, a civil litigation lawyer at Jellinek Law, specializing in sexual assault and anti-discrimination who will speak about what people’s legal options are in instances of assault and harassment,
• Christina Veira (Side Duties) and Evelyn Chick (Pretty Ugly Bar) who will speak about harassment from customers and ways to fight it in the FOH.
• Cory Vitiello, Chef and owner of Flock restaurants, will talk about the protocols he has in place to keep his restaurants harassment-free.
• Viktoria Belle, founder of the Dandelion, will speak about the state of the industry and the methods she teaches to help owners and their staff understand how best to deal with harassment.

The $10 ticket price includes a free drink and a spread of bar snacks, and proceeds from the event will go to support The Dandelion Initiative.

Industry Sessions: Guest Check