News Article: October 8, 2003
Section: Province
Outlet: The Prince George Citizen
Byline: Austin, Ian
Title: Vancouver bars are tightening security
Page: 6
Date: 2003-10-08
VANCOUVER -- Vancouver bar owners are tightening security and installing high-tech scanning devices in the wake of several shootings.
City police are applauding the move and the system, which requires bar patrons to swipe an ID card upon entry.
In theory, bars will be able to red-flag certain customers who cause trouble at one bar and have them banned from other bars on the high-tech system.
"We always welcome new tools," Const. Sarah Bloor said Tuesday.
She said investigators had a hard time getting information out of patrons in the case of a fatal shooting at the Loft 6 club in the summer.
"If we had a list of customers from that night, we would be able to contact them."
Barwatch, a coalition of Vancouver bar and nightclub owners, is expected to endorse the security system for its 35 member bars and clubs.
"We have full backing from our members," said Barwatch chairman John Teti.
"It should take about six months to implement the full system."
Barwatch is considering several different security systems, including one produced by Vancouver-based TreoScope Technologies.
"We can start making Vancouver's nightlife a little safer," said TreoScope's Owen Cameron.
Late-night violence plagued Vancouver again this past weekend when a fight broke out on the dance floor at the Cave nightclub. One man was shot and another was beaten and dumped in False Creek.