Albury’s entertainment strip has long drawn revellers into the central business district and, unfortunately, with that comes troublemakers.
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But users say a new technology that can identify known troublemakers has already led to a dramatic cut in late night incidents.
Three of Albury’s pubs – known late night entertainment venues – are successfully using the identification scanning technology to keep drunk, violent and unruly patrons out.
This is great news for the majority of people who can meet and socialise at these venues knowing their night is less likely to the ruined by louts.
The system records licence details and takes a photo when patrons arrive. The information is held in the system for 28 days, which can be used by police to identify offenders after incidents.
It allows an almost fault-proof way of identifying people filmed causing trouble. If someone is shown in security footage wearing a red T-shirt, that can be cross referenced with photographs and licence details taken at the venue.
However, with any such technology, privacy issues are sure to be raised. The name, age, address and social habits of patrons could potentially be a valuable asset.
The company behind the system, Scantek, says the database of people’s identification will not be sold on to third parties and is deleted after 28 days, unless a patron has been banned (in that instance venues will be alerted when someone who previously caused trouble scans their identification).
Let’s hope this safeguard is enforced. It would be a shame if such a positive program became just another tool for big business to target potential customers.
It is clear that when used as intended it makes for a safer and happier community. Police, for one, have welcomed the system.
With most issues occurring after midnight, it has made tracking down troublemakers a lot easier while also freeing up valuable police time.
Albury police liquor licence supervisor Sergeant Steve McCaig has rightly urged all late night venues to participate in the linked program.
That would effectively lock known trouble-makers out of all venues and it is hard to argue against such a positive move.
A venue where people could meet and socialise without fear of harassment would be a welcoming place.