ACS

Thames Valley Police has teamed up with the National Pubwatch Scheme and the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) in an initiative to help bar and off-licence staff to spot fake ID and to prevent underage sales of alcohol.

In a bid to improve the confidence and knowledge of anyone who may have to ask for ID when selling alcohol, the organisations have produced handy training cards bearing the PASS hologram and a helpful checklist of the five things to look for on a genuine proof of age card.

Licensed premises within Wokingham Local Police Area (LPA) who are members of the Pubwatch Scheme have been provided with a stock of PASS training cards. These credit card sized plastic cards are for use by any members of staff at the premises.

Robert Humphreys, Chairman of PASS, said: “The need to be sure that customers are of age has never been greater, which has created problems for both retailers, when selling, and for young people who are trying to buy, age-restricted goods.

“PASS is the UK's national guarantee scheme for proof-of-age cards. The scheme provides a common standard, an easily recognisable identity and a robust accreditation process to help protect retailers and their employees who need to be sure which cards are genuine and which are fake.”

Steve Baker, Chairman of the National Pubwatch Scheme, said: “There is a lot of pressure on those working within licensed premises to be sure they don’t serve someone who is not old enough to buy alcohol – indeed people can receive hefty fines for doing so and licensees risk losing their licence. This scheme will encourage more checks on the age of any customers and help those in the trade to protect their livelihood.”

Claire King, Licensing Officer from Wokingham LPA, said: “Everyone stands to benefit from licensed premises staff knowing exactly what they are looking for on an ID card and are confident in challenging people they believe are underage. Reducing underage drinking improves the health and safety of our young people and means neighbourhoods are less likely to suffer from alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.”

“Anything which can help prevent those who are not entitled to buy alcohol from doing so is to be welcomed. I’m grateful to the work of the National Pubwatch Scheme for brokering the deal which has enabled us to provide our licensees in Wokingham LPA with this extra tool in the fight against the sale of drink to under 18s.”