According to an article on Smh.com.au Kings Cross hoteliers are pushing to restrict the introduction of a new system of identity scanners in their venues which is required under a state government initiative to curb alcohol fuelled violence after the tragic murder of Thomas Kelly in the district last year.
The identity scanners are supposed to be trialled over a 12 month period which is set to begin in large pubs and nightclubs in Kings Cross in time for the peak summer trading period.
Kings Cross licensees want the system to be restricted to Friday and Saturday nights.
The system involves patrons being required to have photo ID scanned before entering a venue, this it is hoped will prevent patrons who are thrown out or denied access to club to immediately enter another.
Part of the licensee’s objection is that the scanners are to be paid for by the venues. They will also be used to enforce bans that could be imposed on customers from entering Kings Cross venues for 48 hours or up to a year under the new laws which are currently before the NSW Parliament.
Smh.com.au stated this about the trial,
The trial will apply to all late-trading Kings Cross venues with a capacity of more than 120 people but the hotels association is understood to be arguing it should apply only to venues with a history of violence.
The industry is believed to be warning that any broader application – such as extending the use of scanners to other weekdays and the daytime – risks driving away business.
Publicans are also concerned about costs associated with staffing the scanners with security guards. They say the responsibility for complying with bans should rest with the individual, not the hotels.
The Kings Cross trial was prompted by the success of the voluntary introduction of scanners by 5 venues in Newcastle. The article on www.smh.com.au went on to explain:
Hospitality Minister George Souris confirmed that he and relevant government agencies ”had met with the Kings Cross Precinct Liquor Accord and Australian Hotels Association to discuss issues relating to the introduction of ID scanners”.
However, he said a bill before Parliament did not specify the hours and days of operation, despite the request by the Kings Cross Liquor Accord.
”The matter remains under active consideration,” he said.
The chief executive of the NSW branch of the AHA, Paul Nicolaou, said the association met with the government, police and regulators ”to discuss alcohol-related street violence in Kings Cross – we are keen to ensure any measures adopted are targeted, appropriate and evidence-based.”
According to this system, those who breach or attempt to breach a 48 hour banning order may be liable to a maximum penalty of $5500 or a $550 fine. Those who breach or attempt to breach a long term banning order, the maximum penalty is also $5500 or a $2200 fine.