CALL FOR 5AM CLOSE
“Our industry believes the ID machine has its merits but unfortunately due to the machines, licensed premises within the safe night precinct have also seen a reduction of people frequenting the area due to still being uncomfortable having their ID scanned,” Mr Napier said.
Data released by the Attorney- General’s office revealed that since the mandatory introduction of ID scanners in July 1 last year, 667,271 people have been scanned entering Townsville night spots with ID scanners.
Statistics show throughout Queensland 394 contraventions were detected. Townsville statistics on banning orders were not available at the time of publication.
A spokeswoman for Attorney- General Yvette D’Ath said that was “394 times potentially dangerous patrons have been kept away from other patrons doing the right thing” in the state.
CBD Townsville Liquor Accord president and Heritage Exchange director Emmanuel Bogiatzis said since the introduction of ID scanners, traders had noticed a decrease in incidents of disorderly conduct in and near their licensed premises.
“There’s been a reduction ( in disorderly behaviour) since the scanners were introduced, although that trend probably started before ( the ID scanners) because venue traders have always refused entry or removed people for disorderly behaviour,” he said.
“It has always been in our best interests to ensure a safe environment in and around our venues. But the ID scanners are a good thing. The scanners ensure we know exactly who is in our venues and if there is trouble, they can easily be identified.”
Although he supported the scanners, Mr Bogiatzis said he would like to see the Government help small business operators cover the cost of the devices.
“It is not so much the cost of the ID scanner itself but the cost of the ongoing use of them,” he said. “We pay a private security firm to run the scanners at a considerable cost to us as small business operators.
“Also there needs to be a level playing field for all latenight traders who trade after midnight. There are some traders, such as the casino, who trade beyond midnight but have different licences that don’t have the ID scanner requirement, and that’s not an even playing field.”
A Queensland police spokesman said the service supported the introduction of networked ID scanners as part of a suite of measures aimed at reducing alcohol related harm and promoting a positive change in the drinking culture in Queensland.
“Within the ( safe night precincts) ID scanners are considered an effective deterrent to recidivist anti- social behaviour, by detecting banned persons as they attempt to enter licensed premises,” he said.