Club and bar use of ID scanners to be extended

A countywide scanning identity network used by bars and clubs has proven successful at venues

Identity technology used at a county's pubs and nightclubs since 2023 is to be extended for a further three years.

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Danielle Stone has agreed to provide funding to keep the scheme at 25 venues that open beyond 01:00.

The ID scanning machines are used by door staff, and a virtual network enables bar owners to share pictures and information about those who cause disruption or have been banned.

According to the crime commissioner, one late-night venue using the ID scan machines said they were "the best thing that has happened" to help keep people safe on nights out in many years.

Bar owner Hamid Delbari said the scanning technology had greatly helped to keep the public and staff safe

After a review of the impact of the technology, the PFCC is providing £63,000 to allow premises across Northamptonshire to use the machines until at least 2028.

Ms Stone 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.

"It is also proving to be an additional tool for the police to use when they are investigating any crime that has occurred."

One of the venues using the ID scan technology is Bar Rumba, in Northampton's Abington Square.

Its manager Hamid Delbari said the scanners were "one of the best things to happen in Northampton".

"They are helping to reduce the number of trouble-makers we have coming into our venue.

"No-one wants to come to a place they feel might be dangerous, so these machines are making the environment much safer for the people who visit us, and the reaction from people has been positive once we've explained how the machines are helping to keep them safe."