12:00a.m. 20th July 2008

| By Sam Benger

Sunshine Coast pubs and clubs say they would consider using video head-cameras for security staff in a bid to curb violence but security operators say if the technology was introduced, strict regulations would have to be enforced.

The video head cameras are currently used at venues on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, including Jupiters and the Treasury casinos.

Mooloolaba’s 240V owner Clayton Williams said the club was always looking at new technology to improve security at the licensed venue.

The club already uses an ID scanner to record patrons’ details as they entered the club, as well as fixed video cameras.

“We’ll look at any proactive measure which improves the safety of our patrons and staff,” he said.

Duporth Tavern manager John North said the pub, which has a total of 12 fixed cameras, had ample security but would welcome any new technology.

“If anything goes wrong we have video footage to show us what has happened, but if there is (new technology) which may stop something happening then that has to be a good idea,” he said.

“If there is good security, people will think twice about causing trouble.”

Naskam security owner Maks Maksan said the firm had not had any enquiries for head-camera equipment on the Sunshine Coast but there would need to be strict guidelines in place to ensure the technology was used appropriately.

“Firstly, you would need to have continuous footage, because if something was to happen and the person (with the head-camera on) turned away and then looked back, it wouldn’t work.

“It needs to be utilised properly.”

Mr Maksan suggested more cameras were needed outside licensed venues and along nightclub strips.

“A lot of the problems are not inside the clubs, they might start inside but they finish outside and that’s where we need security cameras,” he said.

He said any footage recorded should be strictly protected and destroyed after a period of time to ensure people’s privacy was protected.

And he said a set benchmark on the installation and type of equipment should be introduced to ensure all licensed venues had the same requirements.