Data Protection Act

When I was working for Dyfed-Powys Police it was my responsibility to make sure that the Force complied with the Data Protection Act. I know how difficult it can be to make sure you stay within the law. The Head of Licensing at Wetherspoons is now warning publicans about a possible breach of the Act if they are careless about displaying photographs of barred drinkers.

If the mugshots are displayed where customers can see them that is a clear breach of the Data Protection Act. If they are displayed on a notice board in a staff only area there are still problems as if a plumber or builder who is doing some work for you sees the images then again that is a potential breach of the Act. Even if the photos are made available to your staff but not put on display there is still danger unless staff are properly trained. There have been cases of staff taking photos of a Pubwatch poster and sharing it on social media. Landlords can be prosecuted and fined unless they keep mugshots of barred people out of site.

Read more about it here.