Proof-of-age cards to be validated by the PASS logo
A national standard format for all proof-of-age cards has been unveiled in the House of Commons.
The PASS logo will be introduced onto all proof-of-age cards so that licensees can safely accept all cards that hold this logo, knowing the scheme has met set national criteria.
Card schemes that qualify for the logo must include a photograph of the holder and the date-of-birth etched onto the card so they cannot easily be altered or faked.
MPs John Grogan, panel chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, and Barbara Follett, of the All Party Retail Group, welcomed the move which is aimed at bringing all existing card schemes together under one umbrella.
The move follows concern from licensees that the number of different cards on the market was making it increasingly difficult for licensees and their staff to spot fakes.
Trading Standards said the new PASS logo was necessary, as research had proved that 63 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds purchased alcohol last year.
Spokeswoman Jane Grey said that although officers were carrying out checks on retailers and pubs to see if they were serving underage customers, officers did recognise that it was very difficult to check people's ages.
"We have the data to show that these schemes reduce underage sales," she said. "But at the moment these proof-of-age cards are not controlled. This logo is exactly what we need."
The British Retail Consortium, the British Institute of Innkeeping, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and Trading standards have all been working together to ensure that the criteria for the cards is met.
They welcomed the move - especially in the light of the introduction of the Criminal Justice and Police Act which will come into force on December 1.
It includes tougher penalties for licensees and bar staff found to be serving alcoholic drinks to anyone under the age of 18.
But the trade is also calling for the Government to offer financial support for the scheme. Mr Grogan told thePublican.com he would be pressing ministers to inject the £90,000 needed to pay for the start-up costs.
He added he was confident of the Government's support. "There are friendly signals coming from the Home Office and I am cautiously optimistic."
The trade has campaigned for a Government-recognised proof-of-age card for some time but with little result, it is hoped the new logo will serve as an aid to licensees in the fight against underage drinking.