Portman Group relaunches proof-of-age card

The Portman Group has relaunched its proof-of-age card with a call for stronger enforcement of underage drinking laws.

The new-look Portman Group card includes the Proof of Age Standard Scheme (PASS) hologram logo. The logo is designed to make the cards harder to fake, as well as to help licensees spot genuine cards. PASS is accrediting various national and local authority ID card schemes.

Jean Coussins, chief executive of the industry-funded watchdog, said: "Figures show that the current laws on underage sale and purchase are rarely enforced."

Despite a steady rise in drinking among under 18s, the number of retailers prosecuted or cautioned has fallen from 1,045 on 1989 to 101 in 2001.

Ms Coussins said: "The new Licensing Act will strengthen the law and the obligations of licensees. Most are responsible and have nothing to fear, but better law enforcement is badly needed to deal with the rest.

"Our card can give young adults over 18, but who might look younger, the confidence to buy alcohol legally. Because it is virtually impossible to forge, licensees can be sure that when they are shown a card it is genuine."