Clubs to begin finger scan pilot

Biometric scanners have been installed in pubs and clubs

Pubs and clubs in Yeovil are to start scanning the fingers of drinkers in an attempt to make the town safer.

Biometric scanners have been installed in a number of venues and from Friday revellers will be asked to register and provide a photograph and a finger scan.

Once registered, they can be asked to give a fingerprint as proof of identity and age when entering pubs.

The scheme, believed to be the first networked finger scanning system in England, is voluntary.

Sgt Jackie Gold, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "There are many benefits, which include being able to easily verify the age of a person who is registered."

Easily updated

She added: "It will identify those who have previously been intent on causing trouble.

"The system is protected by the Data Protection Act and can be updated in real time.

"If somebody is causing trouble in one pub and is removed from the premises, from the time it takes for that person to walk to another venue, the system will have been updated and the doorstaff at other venues will be aware."

She said the scheme had the added benefit that people who choose to sign up will not need to carry ID with them on a night out.