Safety’s on the cards Late night spots get ID scanner
TOWNSVILLE police have welcomed the imminent mandatory rollout of identification scanners in the city’s late night venues.
Sergeant Mike Sands, of the Townsville police liquor unit, said he believed the ID scanners, which will be mandatory from next Saturday, would help reduce any unruly behaviour outside the city’s late night venues.
“Alcohol- fuelled violence is everybody’s problem and violence will not be tolerated in any form by police and nor should the community be accepting or condoning this behaviour,” he said.
“Police have observed a general decrease in offence numbers and also noted a drop in the seriousness of injuries sustained by victims of assaults. This is a result of a number of factors including … reduced trading hours, banning notices issued by police, staff and security training and the willingness for stakeholders to maintain a safe and vibrant Safe Night Precinct.”
ID scanners are being installed at licensed venues in Queensland’s 15 safe night precincts, including Townsville, with patrons required to have their ID scanned at these premises for both entry and re- entry after 10pm.
Safe Night CBD Precinct Townsville president Jodie Bell, of NQ Hospitality, said the ID scanners would be installed next week.
“It was planned to have them installed and trialled well before the go- live date but due to supplier issues it has been postponed a few times,” she said.
A spokesman from Scantek, a State Government- ap- proved ID scanner operator, said due to overwhelming support and uptake of its system, there had been some increases to production times.
“The installations are proceeding well and all venues will have their systems before the July 1 go- live date,” the spokesman said.
Attorney- General and Justice Minister Yvette D’Ath said if people were going out, they needed to make sure they carried identification.
“These scanners, along with police and court banning orders, are designed to keep you safe, and tackle alcoholfuelled violence,” Ms D’Ath said. “We commend venues that are as committed as we are to ensuring their patrons have a safe, fun night out.”