Pub ID scanners weeding out troublesome drinkers

Alex de Vos
ID scanners are helping weed out troublemakers and underage drinkers on the Surf Coast, according to Torquay Hotel’s manager.
Andrew Routley said the scanners were having a “great impact”.
“It puts a little bit of onus on people to behave in the venue because they know they’re now on record,” Mr Routley said.
The Torquay and Lorne hotels started using the scanners two months ago following a successful introduction of the technology in central Geelong.
The scanners take and store images of licences or other ID while simultaneously photographing people seeking entry.
Mr Routely said the scanners caused “minor delays” in access to the hotel but patrons were “generally” responding positively.
“We had our first busy night using the scanners last Friday and it was a little bit slow getting people in but (the scanners) were pretty well received,” he said.
“Some of the older patrons were a little bit put out because they didn’t have ID on them but most people are now becoming aware they need to take it out with them.”
Mr Routley said the hotel could use stored data to ban “repeat offenders”.
“First they’ll be given a warning but it also depends on the circumstance,” Mr Routley said.
Surf Coast Community and Ratepayers Association president Spencer Leighton praised the hotels for introducing the technology.
“We’re certainly in favour of the scanners – it’s a step in the right direction,” Mr Leighton said.
“Public drunkenness is one of the big problems of living down here.”