Mandatory ID Checks For Bars/Clubs Discussed
Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said he has organized a meeting with operators of bars, restaurants and clubs for July 17th, with the aim to initiate a dialogue which will promote a safer environment.
He also said the Ministry is examining relevant legislation to determine what can be done to provide a framework for safer experiences at licensed premises.
Included in the discussion were proposals like:
- Mandatory ID checks or “carding” on entry to bars and nightclubs,
- Activating the bar code on every driver’s license to assist in ID checks at licensed premises,
- Properly classifying so called “energy drinks” to ensure that consumers are well informed of their properties and contents,
- Examining our laws to determine if roadside sobriety checks can be introduced, and Strengthening the enforcement of the existing laws under the Liquor Licensing Act 1947.
“Patrons of licensed premises should be able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of their chosen night-spot without worrying about violence or general anti-social behaviour in their midst,” said Minister Dunkley. “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.”
Minister Dunkley’s full statement which he delivered in the House of Assembly follows below:
Mr. Speaker, this Government’s commitment to the safety and security of the community extends to the enjoyment of an evening out at a restaurant or bar, and to the fellowship that takes place in community clubs and other licensed premises.
In keeping with current trends there are occasions when that enjoyment is disturbed by an anti-social element also present in this community.
Mr. Speaker, 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 night-spot without 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.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Public Safety believes that there is a wealth of knowledge about the running of licensed premises in Bermuda and there is the potential for industry success where we encourage effective, open communication and collaboration around best practice in the area of security and safety in this business.
Therefore, I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that I have organized a meeting of owners and operators of bars, restaurants and clubs for Wednesday, July 17th at 3pm.
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.
Separately, Mr. Speaker, with the Department of National Drug Control, the Ministry is examining relevant legislation to determine what can be done to provide a framework for safer experiences at licensed premises.
I can advise Honourable Members that I recently led a full discussion in Cabinet on liquor license policy generally and our overall approach to the sale, consumption and regulation of alcohol in Bermuda.
Included in the discussion were proposals like:
- Mandatory ID checks or “carding” on entry to bars and nightclubs,
- Activating the bar code on every driver’s license to assist in ID checks at licensed premises,
- Properly classifying so called “energy drinks” to ensure that consumers are well informed of their properties and contents,
- Examining our laws to determine if roadside sobriety checks can be introduced, and Strengthening the enforcement of the existing laws under the Liquor Licensing Act 1947.
Mr. Speaker, 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.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Articles that link to this one:
- Minister Dunkley To Meet With Local Bar Owners | Bernews.com | July 16, 2013
WHAT! The unofficial drinking age of 16, maybe a little lower if enough skin is exposed to the guy at the door, won’t hold anymore?
Must show ID or door guy goes to court. This will break a long tradition never mind bar profits.
Doorman and bouncers need to change their mentality and STOP looking at people and deciding whether or not they look 18 or not before they are served or allowed in. They should do what they do in many places around the US and Canada. Doorman and Bartenders are obligated to ask anyone that looks under 35 years of age for ID. That was they are not playing the guessing game and there are NO excuses for serving someone.
When studying in Canada I did not drive and had no license to use as ID and didn’t want to chance taking my passport. My college ID was often denied because they are often faked. However, I was able to apply to the government through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario for what they called an Age of Majority card (or something like that). To get it, I had to send in certified copies of my passport and other info, plus a small fee of $30.00. It was valid government ID for individuals over 19 years (the Ontario drinking age) that did not have a drivers license or had that privilege revoked. Since it was Government Issued ID it was acceptable everywhere and common.
We need something like this so anyone that does not have a bike or car license can also have a valid form of government issued ID that doorman and bartenders can trust.
How about metal detectors at the door?
Club Airport?
Have you been to many clubs in North America? I have & the ones that can afford detectors have them the rest give each & everyone a proper pat down. I already know the deal when I get to the door & have taken out everything in my pockets to put in the dish to be checked, opened my jacket & arms up to be pat down. They check EVERYTHING because they are trained to & will lose their jobs if they don’t.
I agree. But the OTHER responsibility is on the club-goer. They must take responsibility to know that they MUST SHOW ID – even if you went school with the bouncer or the owner of the club. We have this sense of entitlement that is egotistical and unhealthy when it flares emotions on the door. If you are going out with friends, have your ID ready, right next to your money to buy your drinks
Metal detectors do nothing if your intelligent enough to carry a ceramic knife. Even some glocks are entirely ceramic aside from the hammer and rounds which could be stashed elsewhere on the body or carried in by a friend and assembled in a bathroom stall. Nothing beats a good old fashion pat down, a proper one not the snorkel park special.
Stop spouting tripe online, someone might believe you!
No such thing as a ceramic glock, never was. Glocks are made of polymer & steel, they are not invisible to metal detectors or x ray machines, now get yourself a glass of warm milk so mommy can tuck you in to bed.
True, it is just a myth. Should have checked that before. Ceramic knives are quieter anyway not that many people would notice a gunshot over load music mixed with alcohol.
bravo, enforce it!
The minister loves his discussions. Just get it done! All but one of these things are sound & should have been done long ago to curb underage drinking & drunk driving. The one thing that doesn’t make sense is the classifying of energy drinks which is like the warnings on cigarette cartons which don’t stop people who want to smoke from smoking. The better solution is to put an age restriction on energy drinks. All said this will not stop violent people with valid ids from going to drinking spots. The only thing that will stop violent people from going to drinking spots is for BPS to educate bouncers on how to spot these people & to allow all establishments the rights to refuse these people along with the BPS backup & tools such as pepper spray & tasers to deal with these people when they act up if refused. In most other countries you need training & a license to be a bouncer not Bermuda.
hahahahahahahhaha age restriction on energy drinks. wa ya dumb?!
I guess it’s a bit late for someone like you who has evidentially burnt out their neurons on one to many monsters but we can still save others. Energy drinks are drugs & all drugs should have an age restriction unless prescribed.
Legal age of drinking should be 21 not 18
Go to the United States…we don’t need your kind in Bermuda!
lmao
I think it should be 21 as well.
Go to the United States…we don’t need your kind in Bermuda!
Yeah, lets everything like the USA, look where its gotten us thus far !!!!!
F#@K Right OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go back to the little hole you came from d!@khead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At least 19.
IDing -> Yes
Bar coding -> Nazi, Germany
I don’t think there’s any plans of tattooing bar codes to the body. We already have barcodes activated in our passports so nothing new about this idea.
Barcodes on the passports are only recognized by FAA certified devices (thus very very expensive – the bars collectively could not afford them) The bar code on the drivers license can be used but the reader is also expensive. Which is why they have not been in use since it was introduced on the DL.
Bonces and club owners need to take a bigger responsibility in who comes into their establishment and control how they behave or risk being banned. REGARDLESS of how much they may spend at the bar. period.
how about a chip implant put lots of info on that . TIC
The only conutry that used this is Japan for their issues with kidnapping. In order fo rthis to even be looked at the Privacy Legislation would have to be completed. It was started in 2003 but never finished. It would be a HUGE breach in trust and invasion of privacy if this was to be proposed without legislation to regulate what they can and cannot do with the chip and or information. Theere is right now a huge breach with the CCTV cameras in various neighborhoods and streets. Look at them the next time you are driving. Look at where they are pointing. Where is the privacy for those houses and properties that are within viewing of the cameras. Would you want to live there knowing that someone is recording 24/7. It is these types of issues that ppl need to be aware of and protect themselves and others
Makes no difference if you raise the age to 21!if they want to drink they will find a way, but if you are old enough to vote at 18 and old enough to go in the regiement at 18, does not matter the age , just be responsible..
You are so right!!!
You are so right
agreed 21 will not make a difference !! most Caribbean islands the age is 16 so 18 is just right.