Portman Group calls time on PASS cards

The Portman Group is to stop distributing proof-of-age cards due to the fall in demand.

From the end of September 18 year-olds will no longer be able to get the cards, although existing cards still be accepted as ID by retailers.

The drinks watchdog has blamed the rise in other cards, which are also recognised by the national Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS), for the decline.

David Poley, chief executive of the Portman Group, said: "Our card was the first ever national proof of age card. Over the years, it has helped half a million young people to prove their age.

"But with the drop in demand, the time is right to stop issuing new cards. It is important to stress that retailers should continue to accept existing cards as a valid form of ID."

Robert Humphreys, chairman of the PASS Board, said: "The Portman Group has led the way in proof of age in the UK, helping young people to enjoy their legal entitlements and the trade and enforcement community to be entirely confident in the cards they have issued.

"It has been a model of good practice and the PASS Board acknowledges its important contribution. Any card bearing the PASS hologram is reliable and should be accepted as genuine, and the standards applied within the PASS scheme were largely developed by Portman as pathfinder."