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‘Broad support’ for mandatory ID checks in bars

Bar and restaurant owners have voiced support to the idea of mandatory ID checks, according to Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley.

Mandatory ID checking at clubs and bars is set to become law after being backed by the owners of licensed premises.And Government is also considering a “banned from one, banned from all” policy in a bid to stamp out unruly behaviour at watering holes throughout the Island.Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley confirmed the move after a meeting with around 30 bar owners and restaurateurs. Police, alcohol awareness agencies and community club presidents also attended the meeting.Describing the talks as “extremely productive and an excellent opening dialogue”, Mr Dunkley said that owners had put forward “some useful suggestions for improving the experience of their patrons” — and that he would now be putting forward a proposal for mandatory ID checks to Cabinet after the initiative had received “broad support” from bar owners.“I was pleased at the support voiced for mandatory ID checks,” Mr Dunkley said.“There is still some work to be done before taking the proposal to Cabinet. There are several classes of liquor licenses and a ‘one size fits all’ approach may not totally achieve our objectives. As one community club president pointed out, we have to be mindful of the differences between community members or sports clubs and bars and nightclubs for example. Mandatory ID checks are coming but we are determined to implement it the right way.“We understand the challenges in this economy of turning a profit and anything we can do to help business owners improve their product as well as ensuring that community clubs can provide safe fellowship for their members and friends is critical.”At the meeting, there were also calls for stronger enforcement of bans already in place, standardised training for security guards to ensure common standards across the industry, and better sharing of information between businesses in conjunction with the police.“Overall, I was pleased with the meeting,” Mr Dunkley said.“Over the years attempts to bring these groups together have had mixed success. Our aim is to keep the lines of communication open and to assure the public that we will work with these business owners to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Our intention is to broaden our approach and reach out to security guards and private investigators and to organise a similar discussion with them. We all have a part to play and we are all in this together.”Last night Teresa Chatfield, co-chairman of the restaurant division of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “The meeting was a very open one with the opportunity for a lot of dialogue and discussion from the floor and a realisation that the whole community has to work together to find solutions — legislation is only a part of it.“Representatives from the police were also in attendance and could answer questions as well. It was a good start to jointly handle some of the issues we all face and we all look forward to continued dialogue.”Earlier this month, Mr Dunkley told the House of Assembly that patrons should be able to enjoy a drink “without worrying about violence or general antisocial behaviour in their midst”.“However, recent incidents have demonstrated the need for extra care to be taken and for owners and operators of licensed premises to remain vigilant and to be prepared to take action,” he said.“Alcohol and licensed premises can be enjoyed by all person of age to do so. However, we must encourage responsible alcohol consumption and encourage a healthy attitude towards alcohol in the community.”