Bottle shop scanners cracking down on problem drinkers

West Australians could soon have to prove they’re not on a banned drinking register to buy take away alcohol.

The state government wants to bring in ID scanning in a crackdown on problem drinkers.

The Banned Drinkers Register would feature drink drivers and violent offenders.

ID machines would be used to alert liquor stores if a prospective buyer was on the list. 

The first scanners will be installed at the Pilbara in the next few months.

If the trial is successful, it will be expanded across the state.

“I would aspire to go beyond what scan tech currently provides and look to something like facial recognition technology,” said WA Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia.

But the opposition doesn’t agree with the rollout.

“To make it widespread through the whole of the state I think is just wrong. Because of the bad behaviour of a few members of our society, the whole of society has to tow the line,” said John McGrath.

But liquor stores are backing the plan, with the WA Liquor Stores Association saying it’s a good alternative to restricted trading hours in problem areas, which forces them to close altogether.

“It’s not only going to identify those problem drinkers, but also help with underage drinkers too,” said Lou Spagnolo.