Pub ID scheme hailed as a success

Challenge-21 has been hailed as a great success after a poll revealed 91% of 18-24 year-olds know about the scheme.

The YouGov poll, commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), showed that 32% of 18-24 year-olds said they were asked for ID more often than a year ago and 30% of the 428 respondents said it was hard to get served without ID.

In total, 43% had been asked for ID before being allowed in to a pub and 37% had been asked for ID at the bar.

Overall, 13% were refused entry to a pub and 12% refused service because they were unable to produce ID while 84% now carry a driving licence to use as ID while 29% prefer a driving passport.

"Challenge-21 is designed as an extra layer of security for pubs and pub staff," said BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward.

"It supports the work they do to keep preventing alcohol sales to under 18s. This poll shows the scheme has achieved very high visibility, widespread use and is having an impact.

"The poll findings support our separate data which show more than a million people a month are being refused service, either because they can't produce ID, or are underage."

Hayward added: "More than 300,000 posters have been sent out and are on display across the pub sector, backed up by training at both company and pub level.

"The sector's investment in Challenge 21 now amounts to some £5m a year. It signals our determination to do everything we can to ensure underage sales are prevented."