ID scanning laws stopping banned people from entering venues

Seven violent offenders banned from entering licenced venues on the weekend would have been waved-in under the LNP’s plans for ID scanning.

Police figures from the weekend show people on banning orders tried entering licenced venues 11 times in one weekend; 7 of which were recorded before midnight.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said this proved that the LNP’s policy to start scanning IDs at midnight would put Queenslanders’ safety at risk.

“We know that more than 80% of people arrive at nightlife spots before midnight,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“If the LNP had their way they would only scan people after midnight, which means patrons who have been banned because of their violent behaviour would be back in our pubs and clubs and risking the safety of our families.

“This is outrageous.

“Over the weekend, a person with a banning order for violent behaviour tried to get into a venue in Mooloolaba just after 10pm but was stopped.

“Another person with a banning order for violence tried getting into a venue in Fortitude Valley at about 10.30pm on Saturday, but was stopped.

“People on banning orders were also caught trying to enter licenced venues in Cairns, Surfers Paradise, Mackay and Broadbeach on the weekend.

“We need to remember that every time an ID scanner stops someone with a banning order from entering a licenced venue, it means there is less risk of a potential coward’s punch tragedy.

“Our laws ensure Queenslanders are kept safe while enjoying the state’s vibrant nightlife.”

Mrs D’Ath said that the ID scanning laws were also about educating the community about alcohol-fuelled violence.

“Similar to what breath testing has done with drink driving – we want to educate the community that people who show aggressive, violent and anti-social behaviour while drinking will be issued with a banning order and stopped from entering licenced venues.”

Mrs D’Ath said there was also proof that ID scanners were not affecting businesses or the industry in Queensland, which the LNP has been falsely claiming.

“The proof is in the figures. In just over three months since July 1 when ID scanning laws came into effect, 167 new licences have been approved, compared to 158 new licences in the same period last financial year.

“Clearly, ID scanners are a win-win for Queensland: they are making our Safe Night Precincts safer and increasing our entertainment venues across the state.

“New licences mean new venues, which mean new jobs.”

Minister for Police Mark Ryan said police on the ground were noticing how ID scanners were helping Queenslanders enjoy a safe night out.

“The Palaszczuk Government relies on evidence-based policies to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence,” he said.

“ID scanners have helped improve safety in our communities. Police are also noticing a drop in assault numbers and are able to keep better track of whether people on banning orders are trying to contravene them when they try and enter licenced venues.

“Since the laws were implemented, there have been 136 occasions where someone on a banning order has tried to enter a licenced venue.

“Importantly, there are many who have stayed away from licenced venues because they know they will not be allowed in.

“And this is the message we are sending to the community: if you’re out on the town to cause trouble, don’t bother coming out, because you’re not getting in.”

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