Also in the
Calgary Herald today, a local law student is challenging Tantra Nighclub's policy of scanning drivers' licenses before allowing patrons to enter their establishment.
No doubt the bar will claim they are a private establishment and can do whatever they want to those seeking entry (not true). If people don't want to comply they can fata off. They'll likely claim scanning IDs ensures patrons safety. Those that break rules can be tracked down more easily and properly punished.
Public safety is a noble goal for sure. But the way the clubs collect and retain the data may violate law. When the Den instituted their system, I was a member of the Students Union. One of the virtues of the system eventually purchased was the ability to link up with other clubs so that they can tell if a particular customer may have been involved in incidents at other clubs.
I'm not sure there are adequate precautions taken to ensure such information is collected securely and retained no longer than reasonably necessary. As well, I doubt there is sufficient notice available stating for what purpose your data is being collected and who it will be disclosed to (all of which is required by law).
What do you think?