Facial recognition technology is helping to stop long waits, underage drinking and queue jumping in packed pubs
FACIAL recognition is helping to end the long wait to get served in packed pubs.
Instead of asking “Who’s next?”, staff check a screen that clocks boozers as they reach the bar and tells them who’s next in line.
The AI-powered tech, developed by DataSparQ, is also said to reduce the chances of aggro over queue-jumpers. Trials have already cut waiting times.
Experts claim if all Britain’s 48,000 pubs used it, staff could pour an extra 78million pints a year.
Luka Kovijani, bartender at 5cc Harrild & Sons in Farringdon, central London, said: “It cuts out the need for sharp elbows when we are busy. Regulars were sceptical at first but as soon as they saw it in action, they were sold.”
The £199-a-month system uses a standard webcam, display screen and internet connection.
'FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED SYSTEM'
Designers say it can tell someone’s age, and will prompt customers to have ID ready if they look too young.
Drinkers can reorder while in the queue as the system memorises their choices and reacts to hand signals if there are changes.
Tab freeloaders are out of luck too — a FaceTab feature visually links people to a bill and only allows certain faces to order.
The data also tracks drinks served per hour so landlords can check margins and staff levels. Experts hope the tech will reverse the trend of 14 pub closures a week.
DataSparQ’s John Wyllie said: “Waiting alongside queue jumpers can affect behaviour. This system ensures it is a first-come, first-served system.
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“We hope to roll out the technology nationwide in the next year. The system can be installed anywhere and is scalable — from bars to music festivals.”
Publican Andrew Archer who helped develop it, said: “There’s no messing around wondering who to serve next.
“People will know how long they must wait so it’s just much less stressful.”
If Brits made pubs
BRITAIN’S perfect pub has been revealed — and it’s 1.8 miles from your house, serves scampi and chips and closes at midnight, a survey found.
Sociable staff (55 per cent), pub grub (53) and a picturesque beer garden (40) were other key factors.
The best boozer also included your pals being in attendance (40), a roaring fire (30), ample seating (38) and dishing up a first-class Sunday roast (37).
But Brits are put off by terrible food and unappetising bar snacks (51) and pubs that lack atmosphere (47), nationwide research by John Smith’s revealed.
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