Thames Valley Police has teamed up with the National Pubwatch Scheme and the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS). Their aim is to help bar and off-licence staff to spot fake ID and to prevent underage sales of alcohol.
The organisations have produced training cards bearing the PASS hologram and a checklist of the five things to look for on a genuine proof of age card.
Each licensed premises at Aylesbury has been provided with a stock of PASS training cards. These credit card-sized plastic cards are for use by any members of staff at the premises.
Robert Humphreys, Chairman of PASS, said: โThe need to be sure that customers are of age has never been greater, which has created problems for both retailers, when selling, and for young people who are trying to buy, age-restricted goods. PASS is the UK’s national guarantee scheme for proof-of-age cards. The scheme provides a common standard, an easily recognisable identity and a robust accreditation process to help protect retailers and their employees who need to be sure which cards are genuine and which are fake.
โThe training cards remind staff to check for a PASS hologram; the photograph of the cardholder; the date of birth and whether the card has been tampered with and that they are satisfied the person standing in front of them is the cardholder.โ
Steve Baker, Chairman of the National Pubwatch Scheme, said: โThere is a lot of pressure on those working within licensed premises to be sure they donโt serve someone who is not old enough to buy alcohol โ indeed people can receive hefty fines for doing so and licensees risk losing their licence. This scheme will encourage more checks on the age of any customers and help those in the trade to protect their livelihood.โ
Aylesbury Vale Local Police Area Commander, A/Superintendent Richard Auger, said: โEveryone stands to benefit from a licensed premises where staff know exactly what they are looking for on an ID card and are confident in challenging people they believe are underage. Reducing underage drinking improves the health and safety of our young people and our means neighbourhoods are less likely to suffer from alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.
โAnything which can help prevent those who are not entitled to buy alcohol from doing so is to be welcomed and Iโm grateful to the work of the National Pubwatch Scheme for brokering the deal which enabled us to provide our licensees with this extra tool in the fight against the sale of drink to under 18s.โ
