While dress codes have been loosely enforced for years, Front Street bars and nightclubs are becoming more strict and ramping up security for the summer months.

Moon, a recently opened nightclub on Front Street has taken the security trend a step further than other establishments. With an emphasis on exclusivity and safety, the club has installed a hi-tech facial recognition system called Biometric Bouncer.

The system works by entering a person's information, scanning their id card and taking a picture of them. The next time the come to the club, the camera will pick up their facial features and clear them for entry.

According to Moon's manager, David Madeiros, if adopted by other bars and clubs, the system could be used to keep trouble makers out of Hamilton establishments entirely.

"If other places adopted this system a database could be set up to highlight people who cause trouble," he said. "For example, if a person gets banned from a club down the street, they could enter that into the system and if they were to show up at Moon, we would be able to see that they were banned and what they did."

In addition to the Biometric Bouncer Moon employs real bouncers and utilises a walk-through metal detector.

"We are trying to provide a place where people can have a good time, feel safe and not have to look over their shoulders all the time," he said. "It does take a little longer to get through the metal detector but once you are through you know you are safe and can have a good time without worrying about any trouble."

Despite the tight security Mr. Madeiros said that Moon does not put much emphasis on dress code.

"Really we just want your pants above your waist and no hats, dress codes can be tricky and I don't want to create a double standard," he said.

Managers at both Docksiders and The Beach said that they too are considering installing similar technology to Moon but for the time being are concentrating maintaining heavy security at the door.

"We have always had a dress code in place put have been more strict with it lately," said Duncan Adams, General Manager The Beach. "With the closure of some other establishments on Front Street we have become a lot more busy and with that sometimes comes more trouble. So to try and keep out trouble makers we prohibit white T-shirts, baggy pants, hats as well as bandannas and scarfs. In the daytime it is OK to wear what you want but you must look presentable to get in the evenings. lets face it, a white T-shirt is basically underwear."

He added: "On a busy night we will have four security guys at the door with a metal detector wand"

According to Reed Young at Docksiders, something as simple as music can attract trouble.

"We have been trying to play a lot less hip hop and new reggae," said Mr. Young. "Unfortunately a lot of that music is about violence and being angry.

"Sometimes if the song is about violence, people act violent or angry as well. Instead we have been playing more house music and old school reggae."

He added: "On a busy night we could have up to six security men at the door with metal detectors.

"We also ask everyone for identification and enforce a dress code of no white T-shirts, no hats etc. although we are not as strict as some places."