A city centre bar has seen its 'strict ID policy' relaxed after claiming conditions were destroying the business. O Bar, based in Broad Street, Birmingham, previously said trade was 'down 75 per cent' following the implementation of an ID scanner at the venue.

The scanner was installed in the summer after two bouncers working the doors at O Bar were stabbed during a disorder on Sunday, May 7. A licensing committee, on police advice, ordered the venue to ID all revellers visiting the venue after 9pm, regardless of age.

Conditions meant even those clearly above the age of 25 were required to put their IDs through the new scanner - or be refused entry. O Bar agreed but later said the 'strict' conditions had 'crippled' the venue.

Read more: Broad Street bar where bouncers stabbed claims 'strict' ID policy has 'crippled' trade

It claimed staff had turned away 'an insane number' of older customers who were 'clearly of age' but were unable to provide ID. Licensing lawyer Duncan Craig, speaking on behalf of his client O Bar, said the bar's clientele was made up of largely older generations. He showed councillors bodycam footage of a bouncer turning away droves of revellers in a short space of time.

The licencing committee this week agreed that conditions were hampering the business and decided to modify the terms. An ID scanner will remain at the premises, but customers who appear over the age of 25 will no longer need to be required to provide ID unless asked by door staff.

The committee's decision notice read: "Police had been concerned with the impact on the prevention of crime and disorder if the variation were to be granted, and on that basis said they were not prepared to endorse any departure at all from the existing ID scanner condition. Yet, during the meeting, police had said the issue could be left to the discretion of the duty manager or even the head doorman.

"The committee therefore noted the mandatory use of the ID scanner was clearly not as important to the upholding of the prevention of crime and disorder objective as had been suggested in police documents. After viewing the bodycam footage, we agreed that the ID scanner requirement was creating an undue burden on the premises, such that it was putting the viability of the business in jeopardy."

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in May. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Following enquiries the man arrested will face no further action. Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101 quoting 20/409986/23."