5 Reasons Why Clubs and Bars Need ID Verification Machines

Kaitlyn Dhavernas
Sep 8, 2018 · 4 min read

In the digitalized world of the 21st century, it has become essential for most businesses to make use of ID scanning technology. Some of the establishments which are most likely to incorporate ID verification machines into their day to day operations include bars, pubs, nightclubs, and lounges. One of the major reasons for the inclusion of this technology is that these businesses — and others like them — serve alcohol to their patrons. Consequentially, in order to abide by the law, they need to ensure that all their customers are above the legal drinking age. Apart from this, ID verification machines are also used for other purposes such as security, confidentiality, data collection, etc.

What Are ID Scanners?

An ID scanner or ID verification machine is an electronic device that can read and transcribe the data stored in the magnetic stripe of an identity card, driver’s license, etc. The data, thus acquired, is then displayed on the screen for members of the staff to read. ID scanners are frequently used to verify the age and credentials of an individual.

These details are displayed clearly on the screen, making it easy for shopkeepers, bartenders, and bouncers to ensure that a customer looking to purchase age-regulated products, such as alcohol or tobacco, is old enough to do so legally. Business establishments such as casinos and discotheques also use ID verification machines to prevent minors from gaining entry into their premises.

Typically, there are two types or versions of ID scanners available for purchase — a desktop version and a hand-held device. A business can select whichever version best suits its purposes. The components of a typical ID verification machine are:

  • A magnetic stripe
  • A keypad
  • A screen

Why do Bars and Clubs Make Use of ID Verification Machines?

  1. To Abide by the Law

In order to operate within the ambit of the law, bars, pubs, and liquor stores must ensure that they do not sell alcohol to minors. Some establishments such as casinos and nightclubs might also cater exclusively to adult patrons and prohibit the entry of minors. In these situations, ID verification machines provide an easy and accurate means of determining the actual age of a potential customer, helping the management prevent underage drinking within its premises. Thus, these machines enable businesses to abide by the requirements of the law and operate in a legitimate manner. They also keep minors safe from the temptations of underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

2. To Collect Demographic Data of the Consumers

Modern businesses make use of data analysis to gain valuable insights about their customer base. ID verification machines collect and store all the data encoded in the ID cards and driver’s licenses that are swiped through them. Business owners can access this data to analyze and understand their primary customer base. Demographic information such as the average age of customers, their places of origin, their usual time of arrival, etc. can be very helpful while forming business marketing strategies. By gaining a better understanding of their patrons, bars and clubs can also take necessary steps to serve them in a better and more personalized manner, thus enhancing customer satisfaction.

3. To Reduce Customer Wait Period

ID scanners play an important role in making the process of age verification faster and more accurate. Bars, liquor stores, and nightclubs can automate the age verification process by installing ID scanners within their premises. These devices are both faster and more accurate than manual age verification, which can take several minutes and still leave significant room for human error. Therefore, the installation of a quality ID verification machine can prevent the formation of long queues outside a bar or club during peak hours. It also ensures that customers do not have to endure the inconvenience of long wait periods and a lengthy age verification process.

4. To Identify Patrons

By installing a reliable and high-quality ID verification machine, a club or bar can ensure that all its previous customers can be identified when they visit the establishment, again. This can be extremely valuable when a VIP customer frequents the bar. High-spending customers can be identified when their ID card is swiped at the time of entry, allowing the staff to pay special attention to their needs. On the other hand, a customer who has previously caused trouble at the bar and been banned as a result will also be identified if he or she ever tries to gain entry into the establishment again. This will enable the bouncer to take immediate action and prevent the entry of banned customers into the establishment.

5. To Adopt the Path of Cost Efficiency

Affordability and cost efficiency are important factors influencing the popularity of ID verification machines. These devices are relatively inexpensive and quite low maintenance. Moreover, buying an ID scanner is a one-time investment that will yield high returns for years to come. Conversely, manual ID verification requires a business to hire a number of trained staff members who will need to spend all their time looking at the ID cards of customers. This process is also slower, less accurate, and less efficient than an ID scanner would be. Hired staff also needs to be paid regular wages and might not be as good at spotting fake IDs as a machine, which may lead to fines for the business.

In Conclusion

These are some of the reasons why bars, clubs, lounges, and other such establishments need ID verification machines and scanners. These devices can ensure the safety and well being of customers while improving the bottom-line of the business and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Kaitlyn Dhavernas

Written by

Kaitlyn Dhavernas, a technical writer, takes interest in technology and pens down informative blogs on the use of technology to maintain information security.

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