Minister Grant Media Release: ID Scanners Go Live In Kings Cross

ID scanners will be fully operational at up to 35 high risk licensed venues at Kings Cross from this Friday 13 June), Minister for Hospitality, Troy Grant, said today.

“The new ID scanner system will make Kings Cross high risk venues even safer by stopping troublemakers at the door and ensuring patrons who break the law inside premises can be identified and held responsible for their actions.

“The NSW Government is determined to improve the safety and amenity of the Kings Cross Precinct with a range of measures to target alcohol fuelled violence,” Mr Grant said.

“Over the last week, Group Security Solutions (GSS) has installed leading North American supplier of ID scanners, Servall Data Systems ‘PatronScan’ in up to 35 high risk licensed venues in the Kings Cross precinct.

“High risk venues – those trading after midnight with a capacity of more than 120 patrons – will be required to operate ID scanners from 9pm to 1.30am seven days a week to align them with new lockout laws.

“Photo identification of all patrons must be scanned or patrons must be refused entry if they are unable or unwilling to produce photo ID.

“The system will capture the name, date of birth, address and photograph from the ID. This information will not be accessible by venue staff and will only be used by police to investigate alleged offences and enforce banning orders.

“Venue staff and police will be alerted if a patron attempts to enter any high risk premises while having a temporary or long-term banning order in place.

“Currently there are 79 long-term banning orders in force across the Kings Cross and Sydney CBD precincts. Police have also issued 239 temporary banning orders in the precincts.

“Banned patrons face fines of up to $5,500 for entering, or attempting to enter, a high risk venue during the course of their ban.

“Troublemakers and drunken thugs are on notice that their bad behaviour will not be tolerated in Kings Cross.

“High risk venues that fail to operate the ID scanners as required risk strikes under the Three Strikes disciplinary scheme and maximum penalties of $11,000 and 12 months imprisonment.

“Strict privacy safeguards will also apply to the ID scanning system including the secure holding of encrypted data by the operator, full compliance with Commonwealth Privacy Act requirements, and a ban on any data being transferred outside Australia or New Zealand.

“High risk venues will be required to implement privacy management plans as a condition of their licence and comply with Commonwealth Privacy Act requirements in protecting personal information,” Mr Grant said.