Northampton bar owner says towns ID scanning system should be rolled out nationally
The Bar Rumba owners comments come as the Police Fire & Crime Commissioner renews funding for ID scanners to further improve safety.
A Northampton bar owner says a new ID scanning system to improve safety, should be rolled out nationally.
Venues that stay open past 1am have been equipped with ID scan machines for the last two years following a major rollout of the technology in 2023, thought to be one of the biggest seen in the UK at the time.
The machines are used by door staff to check if someone’s ID is genuine and allow venue owners to join a virtual network that enables them to share pictures and information about those who cause disruption and have been banned, preventing them from entering other premises and creating further issues.
Hamid Delbari is manager at Bar Rumba on Abington Square in the town centre and have been using the scanners for the past few years.
He think's they've made the town safety at night:
"We scan everybody, even over 25's. They know, they get scanned, they know they are registered, so they behave better."
Hamid says his door staff take the ID scanners very seriously and they allow them to bar individual trouble makers and sharing information more easily. Making binge and underage drinking much harder.
He tells us they should be rolled out nationally.
"I hope the government take the ID scanners seriously and and issue them everywhere, not only Northamptonshire. It should be all over the UK. I mean, it reduces the crime and keep the underage out of the bars and clubs, which is fantastic."
Funding for the scanners is being continued
The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone has confirmed a further three years of funding for the scanners at 25 late-night venues.
£63,000 will be provided in funding to allow premises across Northamptonshire to use the machines until at least 2028.
The announcement comes as work continues to make neighbourhoods safer throughout the summer as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Summer campaign, which is being led locally by Danielle’s office in partnership with Police, Fire and Rescue, councils, schools, health services, business, transport and community organisations.
Danielle said: “The feedback we have had from bars and clubs is that they have been a really effective addition and are actively helping them to keep people safe in their establishments.
“Whether it is people enjoying a night out with friends and family, or staff working at a late-night venue, it is so important to feel safe.
“I am delighted to be able to fund this ID scan technology for a further three years, and I am in no doubt that it is helping to prevent alcohol-related crime and disorder. It is also proving to be an additional tool for the police to use when they are investigating any crime that has occurred.
“This is further proof of how important partnership working is in helping to reduce harm and protect our communities – all of which are key pillars of my Safe and Sound public safety plan.”
As well as ID scan technology, the Commissioner’s office has worked with partners to fund improved lighting, safer routes and CCTV in recent years to improve safety in town centres.
In Northampton, this work – done in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton BID – has helped the town centre to retain its Purple Flag status, which celebrates places that create thriving, vibrant night-time economies that are safe for visitors, workers and residents.