Plans For ID Scanners In Newcastle Bars

29 April 2014, 07:08 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

People on nights out in Newcastle could have to provide photo ID to get in to bars and clubs - as part of a new idea from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The scheme could be trialled in the city as a way of deterring under-age drinking and halting a spate of crimes committed by out-of-town gangs.

People visiting nightclubs would have their passport, driving licence or proof of age card scanned on the door, and the list of customers could be checked later by police.

Northumbria PCC Vera Baird believes the scheme would be one way of tackling the problem of gangs of thieves who target groups of revellers and steal from them.

She said:
"Newcastle has a vibrant night-time economy with thousands of people visiting every weekend and our aim is for people to be able to have fun, but do it safely.

In November 2013 Newcastle City Council became the first local authority in the country to introduce the Late Night Levy.

Since then I have worked with officers from Northumbria Police and liaised with Newcastle City Council officers to identify ways to use receipts from the levy to further improve safety within the city centre.

One of the ideas we are considering is a system of electronic door entry and we are working with businesses in the city centre to decide which premises will benefit most from this type of equipment.

The electronic door entry scanners enable premises to check identification such as driving licences, passports and proof of age cards of people wishing to enter the club.

This is a useful tool to prevent under-age drinking and discourage anyone from coming into the club to commit crimes.''