Fake internet ID puts pubs off PASS

Licensees across Somerset are choosing not to accept genuine PASS-accredited proof-of-age cards because of the proliferation of fake IDs, the MA has learnt.

It comes as PASS chairman Robert Humphreys writes to trade bodies and managed operators urging them to ensure PASS cards are accepted at all their sites.

South Somerset licensing enforcement officer Nigel Marston said pubs in several Somerset towns only accept passports and driving licences with photos as ID.

He put the move down to the availability of realistic-looking fake IDs that can be ordered from the internet. "With the advent of the internet, these things are easy for people to get their hands on," he said.

Jenny Kenton, from Chard's Drinks Watch Group, said she knows several town-centre pubs that refuse PASS cards.

Her pub, the Phoenix Inn, has a sign saying that only passports and driving licences are accepted - not "www.fakeid.com".

Jean Dunkley, regional policy officer for SWERCOTS, a group of 15 trading-standards services in south west England, said: "It's disappointing if the PASS holograms are not having an impact. Trading standards certainly wish to support widespread use of ID cards that have the PASS hologram.

"On the other hand, I understand concerns about making illegal underage sales."

Dunkley said licensees across the region had been sent information packs on stopping underage sales, which advise pubs to accept PASS cards.

Humphreys said: "I accept there's a big job to be done to communicate the message [about PASS].

"But it's very disappointing when a whole town appears to be taking a completely different line from that adopted by PASS, trade associations, the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) and trading standards."

Does your pub choose not to accept PASS cards as ID? Call John Harrington on 01293 610481.