PASS ID cards have 'infinite future'

PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) accredited ID cards have an "infinite future" despite the on-set of National ID cards.

From 2011-12, ID cards will roll out across the country on a voluntary basis but PASS chairman Robert Humphreys said that PASS cards would still be required. He said that cost and the fact that sensitive biometric data will be stored on national ID cards meant there was still a role for PASS cards to play.

PASS chairman Robert Humphreys said the initial intention of the scheme was to run until National ID cards came into force but that position had now changed.

The National ID cards will cost £30 to purchase with replacement cards costing around the same amount. A PASS card typically costs around £10 and some are even provided free by schools and councils.

"The ID cards could be abolished in 12 months time if the Government changes," said Humphreys. "Also you have to remember that the ID cards will carry highly sensitive data about the individual and some people will not want to risk losing that by taking it out to a pub for use as ID.

"If you lost a national ID card, there may also be a secondary charge for having your fingerprints taken again on top of the £30."

British Beer and Pub Association northern secretary Lee Le Clerq recently attended a meeting with Home Secretary Alan Johnson on national ID Cards. "I think £30 is a reasonable replacement charge for a lost card," he said.

"It will be interesting to see if the National ID cards are seen as direct competition to other cards and how that works as they are subsidised — so is that fair?"

Le Clerq also said that Johnson said he had received "a lot of mail" on the issue of the mandatory code on alcohol retailing.