The organisers of the PASS scheme of identity cards for the 18-plus have hailed a marked improvement in the recognition and acceptance of the PASS hologrammed cards, particularly in pubs and clubs, since the introduction of the 18+ Design Standard in June, pictured.
Then Northamptonshire Chief Constable Adrian Lee, National Policing Lead for Alcohol Licensing and Harm Reduction pledged to influence and increase the acceptance of PASS. He said: ‘Since the launch, every report of a refusal, either to PASS or to the card Issuers has been followed up by local police with a visit to the premises concerned. A total of 54 refusals – well down on previous years – have been notified to local police for a visit, with staff at the venues concerned being reassured about the police’s support for PASS and encouraged to accept PASS where possible.
‘Most of these refusals have mainly been involving the old designs, although a handful of new designs have been referred recently. The refusals have originated from 42 different towns and cities within 24 separate police force areas. For each of these 54 refusals, the local police licensing officer has been contacted and requested to visit the venue concerned and explain to them the benefits of PASS and how they will be considered to have acted with due diligence when checking and accepting a PASS Card holder. An introduction has also been made to PASS National Director Marc Catchpole in every case to enable PASS to provide support and material.’
Marc himself said: ‘Whilst we thought this approach would challenge those venues that have refused to accept a PASS Card, the benefits have been far wider with many police licensing officers choosing to present PASS to wider groups of people involved in the night time economy in their towns and cities at Pub Watch meetings for example. I have supported many of these meetings in person – presenting on PASS, providing sample cards and other promotional material. The feedback from these meetings has been very positive and we have certainly challenged and changed many previously held views on PASS.’
Robert Humphreys, Chair of PASS added: ‘Whilst it is not possible to quantify the impact of this strong support from the police, I am confident that Police Licensing Officers across the country are now fully aware and support PASS positively in their areas and that any future refusals will be followed up appropriately until we reach the point when PASS is accepted without question. I would like to put on record my thanks to Chief Constable Adrian Lee and his colleagues, notable Chief Inspector Dave Spencer for their fantastic support to PASS. This is making a real difference to young people, who can now rely on PASS as the preferred Proof of Age.’
About the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS)
The proof of age accreditation scheme is supported by the Home Office, police through ACPO, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) who licence door and contract security staff, and the Trading Standards Institute (TSI). Five national schemes and seven local schemes are licensed to issue cards bearing the PASS hologram. Accredited card schemes are audited on a regular basis by Trading Standards Officers. Visit http://www.pass-scheme.org.uk/.
