Does My Venue Need An
ID Scanner?

Running and managing a bar or club is a big job with many responsibilities. As a venue manager, you’re likely to have considered a variety of options to keep your venue running smoothly and safely. In your search to find out what’s best for your location, you probably have questioned whether an ID scanner is right for your venue.

If so, we’re here to help you out. In this article you will learn what ID scanners do and whether or not an ID scanner is right for your venue.

What do ID scanners do?

One of the reasons ID scanners are so popular is their ability to perform a large range of tasks. They act as a powerful tool to help you manage your bar, club, pub, or event. Though ID scanners are primarily known for keeping underage customers out of your venue, they also provide other benefits.

ID Scanners Decrease Violence

In 2014, the New South Wales government put a plan in action to reduce alcohol-related violence by requiring 35 high-risk venues in Kings Cross to install ID scanners.

Over a year later, the results have been overwhelmingly positive. ID scanners have had an affirmative impact on reducing problems in the area; contributing to a 32% decrease in alcohol related assaults.

They have also assisted in a number of arrests, thanks to the IDs and licenses scanned and photos of patrons taken upon entrance.

Even if your location isn’t considered a “high-risk venue” (one which sells liquor, is open past midnight, and has a capacity of 120+), an ID scanner can be of use as a preventative measure. Think of it like a violence repellent; if patrons know their data is being recorded, they’re less likely to get out of hand in your venue.

ID Scanners Reduce Theft & Fraud

ID scanners keep patrons in line. In just over a year, they’ve helped cut theft by more than 70 per cent in King’s Cross. In addition to preventing crime and vandalism, id scanners reduce fraud.

One of the most common uses for ID scanners is recognizing fake IDs. There are some highly-realistic fake IDs in circulation these days, so it’s crucial that you and your team recognise these false documents before their users enter your venue. You should also be wary of ID fraud, including multiple patrons using the same ID or patrons using a real ID that doesn’t belong to them.

ID scanners help you and your security staff recognise ID fraud by detecting false IDs, alerting you of probable ID misuse, and providing you with questions to ask ID holders if you suspect fraud.

ID Scanners Increase Transparency For Police And Security

A key benefit of ID scanners is their ability to capture and store photographs of everyone who enters your venue on any given day or night. These photos, along with information stored from patrons’ IDs, are very useful in the occurrence of violence or conflict.

Venues can work together with police to identify and track troublemakers, and then take necessary action to arrest or ticket these patrons. ID scanning systems give you the power to ban these problem causers. Advanced ID scanners like Scantek also give you access to other venue’s banned lists, through a networked banned patrons list. Patron privacy is protected, as information on ban lists can only be accessed by designated security staff.

Kings Cross venues have already seen the value of the ID scanners in identifying suspects. Police Commander and Superintendent Michael Fitzgerald says ID scanners have “allowed police to quickly identify and track down people who commit crimes within Kings Cross’ pubs and clubs, and proven immensely effective in helping police enforce banning orders.”

In addition to these benefits, scanners reduce pressure on your venue and event security staff, reducing the risks these staff members face when belligerent patrons are in your venue.

ID Scanners Ban Troublemakers From Entering Your Venue In The Future

When patrons cause trouble in your venue, you can ban them from entering for a period of time you select.
If patrons try to enter your venue during their ban period, your security staff will be alerted, ensuring that patrons are denied entry.
Breaches of ban notices can result in fines and/or penalty notices upwards of $550.
Once patrons’ bans have expired, operators will be notified upon entrance that they have been previously banned, so they can be reminded to be on their best behaviour.

ID Scanners Are Affordable Damage Control

Compared to other venue damage control options, ID scanners are extremely cost effective. While you may think an ID scanner is an expensive damage control option, it is a long-term investment that will save you time and money.

As previously mentioned, ID scanners reduce crime and prevent underage patrons from entering your venue. By avoiding these undesirable events, you are protecting your venue from fines, lawsuits, license loss, and reputation damage. Rather than reacting to an unfavourable event after it occurs, ID scanners allow you to be proactive, preventing these events from happening in the first place.