‘Difficult and antiquated’: Calls to ditch party precinct ID scanners

Brisbane should ditch controversial ID scanners in night-life precincts if it has any hopes of becoming a global city, Fortitude Music Hall venue director John Collins says.

Brisbane should ditch its controversial ID scanners in the city’s night-life precincts if it has any hopes of becoming a global city, Fortitude Music Hall venue director John Collins says.

The live music venue owner and Powderfinger bassist told The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane event the scanners made life difficult and were “antiquated” – particularly as more international tourism was opening up.

John Collins believes ID scanners must go.

“I think some of the rules we introduced in 2016 need to be revisited,” he said.

“You know if you’re coming here from (overseas), you have to take your passport out if you want to have a drink after a certain time.

“There was no consultation with industry at the time, and I think we need to look at it.”

The panel also agreed Brisbane should turn up the volume in promoting its fun and vibrant music and cultural experiences while encouraging visitors to “stay longer”.

The Star’s chief executive Robbie Cooke told the hundreds of guests the much-hyped $3.6bn Queens Wharf development was on track to be opened in the first half of 2024 – describing the precinct as a “destination of fun”

ID scanners being used at the Caxton Hotel.

“There will be a 1000 hotel rooms; 50 bars, restaurants and cafes; the biggest ballroom able to accommodate 1600 people – so we could host events like the Logies,” he said.

The Sunday Mail and Courier-Mail editor Anna Caldwell was joined by Mr Cooke along with Howard Smith Wharves chief executive Luke Fraser, The Fortitude Music Hall’s venue director John Collins and QAGOMA director Chris Saines.

Mr Collins said he wanted to see Brisbane’s success in hosting major sporting events joined with arts and culture – such as hosting great bands outside Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round.