The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has advised retailers to read updated False ID Guidance published by the Home Office. That sets out what types of ID are acceptable and how to determine whether ID is real or false and whether it is being used by the person to whom it belongs.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive said: “This guidance is a useful addition to existing training available and we encourage retailers to use it, and we are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns and provided greater clarity for retailers. What is new here is information on military ID, which the Ministry of Defence now want armed forces personnel to be able to use as proof of age. Retailers need to prepare their staff for this, especially if they trade near military bases, and the guidance includes images and advice to help identify acceptable military ID.”
ACS continues to support the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) which provides quality assurance for commercial proof of age schemes. The Home Office also encourages licensed premises to accept cards bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) hologram as their preferred proof of age, while acknowledging that other forms of ID are also valid.
The main changes to the guidance include:
After a change of policy by the Ministry of Defence in March 2011, military personnel are now able to use their ID as proof of age when purchasing alcohol. Images of military ID cards and supporting text are included in the revised guidance.
Updated images and supporting text for UK passports.
Advice on identifying valid foreign passports, based on international standards on machine readable passports.
Inclusion of the provisional driving licence.
Advice to door staff re-written to reflect the absence of any legal power allowing them to seize false ID.
A section on the implications of the Equality Act 2010, which contains provision about discrimination on the basis of nationality.
A pdf copy of the guidance is available at the ACS website.
