The Abbotsford pubs using the latest technology to keep violence out of their premises will be allowed to continue to scan IDs on entry.

That’s according to TreoScope, the company at the centre of a ruling this week by B.C. Privacy Commissioner David Loukidelis.

He ruled on Tuesday that the Wild Coyote Nightclub, in Vancouver, would have to destroy a database of personal information the business collected on its clients through TreoScope.

The decision followed a complaint by a patron who visited the Wild Coyote, and then lodged a privacy complaint after being required to be photographed and provide his driver’s licence.

In making his ruling, Loukidelis concluded TreoScope goes too far in collecting and retaining information.

At least four Abbotsford bars and restaurants currently use the TreoScope system.

In his comments, however, Loukidelis did not recommend that the TreoScope ban stretch any further than the one Vancouver nightclub.

On Thursday, TreoScope president Owen Cameron sent a letter to businesses using the system. He wrote that the privacy commissioner’s investigation was “specific” to the Wild Coyote.

“In terms of your venue, this order is restricted to the Wild Coyote and in no way demands that any other venue make changes to their current system or ID scanning policy,” he wrote.

Pubs and restaurants in Abbotsford that currently use TreoScope include Finnegan’s Pub, the Phoenix Lounge, The Station Pub, and Blueridge Bar and Grill.

Paul Esposito. the owner of Finnegan’s and the Phoenix, said the TreoScope technology sends out a message to troublemakers “that their business is not welcome.”

“We are committed to safety, and use the best technology that’s available to us,” he said.

Loukidelis told The News yesterday that other bars using TreoScope should not treat his ruling as “business as usual.”

He is now looking to work with TreoScope to reach a solution.

“The only organization covered by the order is the Wild Coyote,” he said. “But the use of this system by this club does not apply with the privacy law, so in principal, it has an impact on the operations of other businesses.”

Even though other businesses are not directly affected, Loukidelis hopes they will still look closely at his ruling.

“If they are aware they are doing what they are not supposed to, one would hope they would comply with the order even though it does not technically apply to them.”