qld , king hitters get " red card "

VIOLENT drunks and thugs face a state-wide “red card” ban from nightclubs on a watch list of king-hit cowards.

Under a push for compulsory ID scanners, known offenders would be flagged and banned entry to all linked venues across Queensland.

The Attorney-General, Queensland Police, Queensland Hoteliers Association, publicans, health officials and security experts believe a linked ID databank could stem alcohol and drug-fuelled violence in the state’s party precincts.

“Take out the troublesome patrons, violent thugs and king-hit merchants,’’ said publican Mick Nasser, who operates a red card system in north Queensland.

“Ban them everywhere, remove their anonymity with ID scanners, list them on a state-wide database.

“And you get rid of the bulk of the bad eggs.’’

Privacy advocates oppose the move saying compulsory scanning of IDs was open to abuse from stalkers and rogue bouncers.

“Why should anyone going to a pub or club for a drink have to surrender their details to be scanned?,’’ said civil rights lawyer Terry O’Gorman.

“How on earth can we prevent rogue security guards from helping themselves and stalking pretty girls back to their home address?

“Police get busted doing it on their own internal database and they are subject to face great statutory controls.’’

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said an official decision on new laws for ID scanners and banning orders would be made public at the end of next month.

“Everyone deserves to have a fun and safe night out, which is why we’ve undertaken a major review of ways to tackle dangerous binge drinking,’’ Mr Bleijie told The Sunday Mail.

“We intend to finalise a package of reforms in the coming month that will include tougher penalties for patrons who do the wrong thing, better equipped licensees and a continued high visibility police presence.’’

The Queensland Government survey on alcohol, steroid and drug-related violence rates ID scanners to prevent entry to problem patrons.

It tops the list of 14 possible strategies including late-night lockouts, reduced trading hours and better supervised taxi ranks.

Queensland Hotels Association chief executive Justin O’Connor, on the expert panel to curb alcohol-related violence, said repeat offenders had to be held to account.

“ID scanners and red cards are a deterrent to anti-social behaviour, your document is scanned and a real-time photo taken,’’ he said.

“Even the dumbest hoodlum knows if you get up to offensive behaviour, your identity is known by the venue.

“It removes the anonymity of patrons who are up to no good.’’

At Surfers Paradise, Waxy’s Irish Bar manager Dave Barnes said ban lists had to be linked statewide.

“It would make all entertainment precincts from Cairns to Coolangatta safer.’’

Under the red card scheme run by local liquor accords, a drinker can be banned for three months for repeat fighting offences.

Some are banned for life if they maim or kill.........................only some are banned for life from clubs if the maim or kill...... WTF is going on up there