PASS could be 'pointless'

25-Nov-2011 - Last updated on 25-Nov-2011 at 11:02 GMT

If the Home Office does not do more to force licensees and doorstaff to accept the Proof-of-Age Standards Scheme (PASS) accredited cards, then PASS is “pointless”.

That’s the view of Andrew Chevis, chief executive of PASS-accredited Citizen Card, who has set up an e-petition calling for the Government to make it compulsory for all licensees to accept PASS cards.

The petition, which has 289 signatures so far, said: “We urge the Government to make it obligatory for licensees and doorstaff to recognise as valid ID cards (including CitizenCard, Validate and Young Scot) bearing the

PASS hologram which enable young adults to access age-restricted premises and goods, in particular by strengthening guidance to the Mandatory Licensing Code (under the Licensing Act).”

The PASS scheme was launched in 2003 – and the PASS hologram was trademarked in 2005 – however it has been an uphill struggle to convince licensees and doorstaff to accept the card. It has the backing of major trade associations including the British Beer & Pub Association, the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping), the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and Drinkaware. It is also endorsed by the Home Office.

Chevis said: “The problem I have is too many Citizen Card holders have been refused entry. All the trade bodies are behind the PASS scheme, but the licensees and the companies that employ the doorstaff say that they can choose not to accept the card.

"They believe it can be faked, but that’s a false excuse because PASS cards cannot be forged. Driving licences are the most forged form of identification.
“Only the Government can get this sorted and it’s time to act and make accepting the cards compulsory.

"If the Home Office is unwilling to help, then PASS is pointless, and we will have to consider what to do next with the Citizen Card. We’re not asking the Home Office for any money, we’re asking them to strengthen the guidance they issue.”

PASS chairman Robert Humpreys added: “I hope that the Government won’t need convincing that PASS cards are useful. The mandatory code is to be amended soon and the Government will publish a draft for consultation, so we have asked it to make it clearer that it is supportive of PASS. Let’s hope that this will encourage them.”

The petition can be found at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22624.