Exclusive: Mandatory ID checks in bars

A crackdown on liquor-fuelled anti-social behaviour is to be announced today by National Security Minister Michael Dunkley.

And Mr Dunkley said a range of new initiatives — including mandatory ID checks in pubs and clubs — is on the cards, while the bar code on driving licenses could be activated to provide an instant age and ID check.

Mr Dunkley said: “This would have an impact that goes beyond making sure people are of age to drink — it will encourage people who make the atmosphere less than social to shy away. These are people who perhaps don’t necessarily want to be identified.”

He added that energy drinks — which have been shown to increase the effect of alcohol when used as mixers — may also be properly classified so customers know their properties and contents.

In addition, a change in the law to introduce UK-style roadside breath tests and better enforcement of existing alcohol legislation will also be looked at.

Mr Dunkley said: “In keeping with current trends, there are occasions when enjoyment is disturbed by an anti-social element also present in this community. Owners and operators of licensed premises should be able to promote their establishments and welcome their patrons without the requirement for undue layers of security.

“Patrons of licensed premises should be able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of their chosen nightspot with worrying about violence or general anti-social 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.”

The proposals are due to be discussed with pub, club and restaurant bosses at a summit meeting with the Minister in two weeks’ time.

Mr Dunkley said: “The aim of this meeting is to hear directly from those people most familiar with the issues that exist in this business today and to initiate a dialogue which will promote a safer environment for them and their patrons.”

Mr Dunkley stressed: “Alcohol and licensed premises can be enjoyed by all persons of age to do so.

“However, we must encourage responsible alcohol consumption and encourage a healthy attitude towards alcohol in the community.”

He added: “This Government’s commitment to the safety and security of the community extends to the enjoyment of an evening out at a restaurant and bar and to the fellowship that takes place in community clubs and other licensed premises.”

Mr Dunkley also revealed a summer-long, multi-pronged attack on drink-related trouble will target both adults and underage drinkers – on both land and sea.

Mr Dunkley said the long school holidays could lead to more cases of under-age drinking.

He added: “The Police Commissioner has very keen enforcement and that’s part of what’s factored in.

“We feel comfortable they will be keeping a lookout for this, not only on land but at sea. We know the hotspots and we will pay attention to them.”

Mr Dunkley said: “Under-aged drinking and associated problems have profound negative consequences for underage drinkers, their families, their communities and society as a whole.”

He added that research had shown that youngsters who start to drink before the age of 18 were four times more likely to develop an alcohol problem than those who wait until the age of 21.

And he pointed to a recent drugs and health survey that showed that in 2011 more than half of middle school-aged children reported drinking alcohol at some point, while almost a fifth said they had drunk alcohol in previous month, with the average age of a child taking a first drink being 12.

Mr Dunkley said: “This is a problem that the Government will not ignore. During the summer we will continue to focus our efforts towards preventing our young people from developing dangerous alcohol habits.”

Mr Dunkley added that many youngsters got alcohol from home – but stressed that did not mean they were being supplied with drink by their parents.

But he said the statistic underlined the need for parents to keep alcohol under lock and key, especially if they had older teenagers who were left at home alone.

Mr Dunkley said: “The dangers of alcohol use and abuse should be taught to children and clear rules set.”

He added that there were a range of summer activities like summer camps, swimming and snorkeling camps and dance camps to allow young people to have fun without being exposed to alcohol.

And he said: “We need to be proactive and steer our young people in the right direction so they become positive members of society who are equipped to make well-informed choices regarding alcohol behaviour.”