News Article: October 8, 2003
Section: News
Outlet: The Province
Byline: Austin, Ian
Title: Police back high-tech bar scanners
Page: A.8
Date: 2003-10-08
Vancouver police welcome a move by bar owners to install high- tech scanning devices to keep out bad apples.
The system, pioneered in Phoenix, requires bar patrons to swipe an ID card upon entry. In theory, bars will be able to red-flag customers who cause trouble at one bar and have them banned from others on the high-tech system.
"We always welcome new tools," Const. Sarah Bloor said yesterday. "In the case of the
Loft 6 shootings, we have had trouble getting information from witnesses.
"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 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. "We can't guarantee it's going to eradicate violence, but at least it's a step in the right direction."
Early morning violence plagued Vancouver again Saturday at 3:10 a.m. after a fight broke out on the dance floor at the Cave nightclub in the 700-block Pacific Avenue. One man was shot and another beaten and dumped in False Creek.
iaustin@png.canwest.com