Matt’s Journal

I emailed the club in question and found out the right person to talk to. Please find below the email I sent to the manager of the club (this was after initial emails asking whether my complaint would be emailable):

Ian,

Thanks for the confirmation.

My complaint is that of identity and the processes B***** Bar employ on their doors. On Saturday night I escorted my fiancée (who was out to celebrate her 21st birthday) to Bakers Bar and entered the queue, I waited and when I got to the head of the queue, I was then asked for my identification.

I am twenty three years of age and was a bit shocked to be asked for my identification but not wanting to cause a disturbance, I gave my UK drivers license to the doorman who asked for it in the first place. Expecting him to just check it and give it back to me, being satisfied about my age, he then continued to pass my identification through a card scanner.

This is the part I wish to complain about.

As the doorman swiped my card, I immediately asked him what this was for, I was told that it was so they had my details if I was to get into trouble. Not satisfied with this answer I said to the doorman that I didn’t wish for him to do so and to do so he would need my permission (which was irrelevant now he passed my card through the scanner). His reply was that of “Thousands of people pass through these doors and you are the only one with a problem about it”. At this moment, my fiancée, who was by now very disturbed by the fact she had her card scanned too, removed herself from the queue and asked me to accompany her to another nightclub.

I feel as if this is a breach of data protection and confidentiality. My details are now on your system even though I can quite honestly say I haven’t entered your club on that night. Under no circumstances whatsoever did I authorise this person to scan my card or even relinquish my details other than to have my age checked visually.

B***** Bar have no data policy from which I can assess what will happen with my details if I had authorised this, I have no guarantee that you will not use these details to fraudulently clone my identity or sell my details onto another third party.

I feel obligated to obtain legal advice regarding this matter, not only do I feel as if I have had my details taken without a need to (or with permission), my fiancée also missed out of going to the venue which she chose to celebrate her 21st birthday because of what seems to be a very dark area regarding identification. I also do not now feel I cannot return to this club and feel compelled to warn my friends and family about the measures you take in order to gain entry to the club.

Does B***** Bar have a data protection policy? If so, may I have a copy of this?

I appreciate any response you have to this matter.

Yours Faithfully,

Me

I am awaiting a reply from the guy, again, I will let you know what happens.