Slower queues outside nightclubs have been described as "teething problems" by police and the Queensland Government, who have lauded the law and order results of the first official night of compulsory ID scanning.
As of July 1, people looking for a drink inside key Queensland venues after 10:00pm must have their identification scanned on entry.
The technology allows venues to share information about problematic patrons and prevent them from re-entering another club or bar — a decision made by the Queensland Government to combat alcohol-fuelled violence.
Almost 90,000 IDs were checked at 180 venues in 15 Safe Night Precincts in Brisbane and regional centres, after trial runs on Friday night and last weekend.
Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said seven people on banning orders for violence or drug trafficking were flagged trying to enter clubs, compared with 22 contraventions during a trial a week ago.
"That means on the first night of the new system, the message has got through to people on banning orders loud and clear," Ms D'Ath said.
"It is early days but these are very satisfying figures to hear after just one night of ID scanners officially operating.
"If this system only prevented one family from dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy this morning, it is already worth it."
She said only three assaults were reported last night in the 15 precincts, significantly down on previous numbers.
Police Inspector Rhys Wildman admitted there was some frustration by staff and patrons last night in Fortitude Valley and on the Gold Coast.
"But let's not forget this system has just come online and the outcomes were just exceptional," he said.
Many clubs in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley reluctantly tried out the scanners for the first time on Friday night, and received a backlash from patrons.
Single security guards at smaller venues have been overwhelmed with the extra work, with one bouncer describing himself to the ABC as a "glorified babysitter" because he was not allowed to leave his post.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Brent Carter said slower queues would improve.
"Some of the venues only had the equipment installed very recently and staff were still trying to get their heads around how to operate the scanners," he said.
"But I think over time they're just teething problems and I think on the first night it was a pretty good start."
In Rockhampton, visiting US service personnel were reportedly frustrated by having to use their passports to satisfy the new ID laws.
Ms D'Ath said different date formats meant details could not be scanned and had to be entered manually.
"There are some issues with the equipment in relation to particularly New Zealand and US identification," she said.
"That's something that the operators are aware of and looking to rectify very quickly."
