Pub confiscation of ID called into question

The Government has been asked to clarify whether licensees and doorstaff can legally confiscate ID that's used fraudulently to buy alcohol underage.

Simon Burns, Conservative MP for Chelmsford in Essex, has written to Home Office minister David Hanson on behalf of a constit-uent, pub manager Nick Harmston.

The licensee of Marston's Que Pasa in Chelmsford contacted Burns after police raised concerns that doorstaff don't have the power to confiscate the documents.

Harmston said doorstaff at Que Pasa confiscate around 10 to 12 pieces of ID each week, mostly genuine ID such as passports or driving licences used by younger siblings. Fake ID is being used less frequently.

He said valid IDs are sent off to the relevant authority, such as the DLVA or Passport Office, if the owner doesn't ask to collect it.

"Nine out of 10 times the person will say it was taken without permission. Most thank us for it. We are always extra sure before we seize it. Touch wood, we've not seized one [passport or driving licence] that was actually owned by that person."

Burns told Harmston that police in Camberley, Surrey, encourage venues to confiscate ID and have a procedure for dealing with it.

Burns said: "I've taken it up with the Home Office, but I'm not altogether convinced that members of the public should be able to confiscate someone's passport and driving licence."

How the Camberley system works​

Almost 300 IDs — either fake or used fraudulently — have been seized by doorstaff in Camberley and handed to police in just one year.

Doorstaff seize the documents and store them in police evidence bags. Officers confiscate ID under the 2006 Identity Cards Act and detail them on a database.

On collection, offenders sign a "behaviour agreement" saying they won't repeat the offence. The ID is then returned.

"The system works brilliantly," said licensing officer Rab Carnie.

"Word has got around among underage drinkers. We only get about one or two [IDs confiscated] per week now."