Pubs launch ID plans

PUBS and bars in Rotherham are to use a new high-tech monitoring system in a bid to combat late-night violence and cut underage drinking.

Ten high-profile licensed premises have teamed up to weed out illegal boozers and make bars a safer place - starting tonight.

Customers are being urged to use the system, initially voluntary, which involves having a passport or driving licence scanned on entry to a bar.

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Underage customers will be refused admittance and known troublemakers will also be stopped.

Police and licensees are monitoring the scheme over a three-month trial period before deciding whether to make it compulsory.

Insp James Revitt, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “Rotherham town centre is already a popular and vibrant with a thriving night-time economy.

“However like most towns there are a few people who cause trouble and spoil it for the vast majority.

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“It is anticipated that the IDSCAN system will reduce underage drinking and make it easier to exclude people who are banned from venues.

“IDSCAN is a company with vast experience in this field, but normally premises adopt its system in isolation rather than as part of a syndicate, so this is quite unusual.

“We want to enhance the safety of nights out in the town.

“Customers can be assured that if they come out without identification they will still be allowed entry but as the trial progresses it is hoped they will get into the habit of taking identification with them.”

Venues equipped are Blue Ice, Elliots, Liquid, Mazeppa’s, Metro, Milano’s, Mondo, Studio, Tryst and Synergie/