Doesn't this actually BREAK the Data Protection Act?
AFAIK, you must be informed of the purpose for what your information is recorded, the information may not be used for other purposes, you have right to your information and they should not collect more than is strictly required for the purposes indicated - and you have to be informed of your rights pertaining to this information.
1 - were visitors informed for what EXACT purpose the info was collected? I don't think so. It will make one hell of a queue, and long queues will make for many people who go elsewhere.
2 - as no purpose was formally stated, hello breach #2. Fines, anyone?
3 - it would be soooo much fun if everyone asked for what is held on the database. Sure, you have to part with 10 quid (I would actually complain to the Information Commissioner because it's too expensive for just a copy of your license) but if everyone does it you have a denial of service attack - they have only 40 days. Imagine this happens in volume every time the system is used, especially if the Commissioner decides it's not worth 10 quid a throw. The y would eventually lose track which results in complaints and fines. And the human effort costs money too. And they can't ban you for askin because that again infringes on your rights.
4 - I have yet to be convinced it is actually required to STORE the information. Check it for underage, fine - it's a massive fine if they miss one, but why store it? For who? For what purpose? To save the government spending money on a man doing inspection? F*ck that - if they want to know they're welcome to put some effort in, that why you pay a premise license fee after all.
5 - hello breach #3 - not as much as a brochure (which costs money - another nail in the coffin).
Gents, if this stuff pisses you off you should simply start gaming the system. Read up on the laws and hit every weakness. Obligations must be met - fine, ask for your rights in volume. BS is being told during collection - tell them where exactly they can measure biometrics (risk: may be followed up at an BDSM club) and leave. Cash is king - if the system starts costing too much in lost business and compliance obligations it will soon go. And it should.
This stuff only works because you agree to it. Sure, you may miss a party. Is that really a hard choice: one party or slowing down the completion of the UK panopticon?
Don't talk, do.