Card to combat under-age drinking

A NEW identity card is being launched in North East Lincolnshire next week in a bid to combat underage drinking.

Police licensing officers say the “citizen cards”, which are accredited by the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (Pass), will give retailers improved confidence in who they are serving.

The cards are being launched on Monday and a total of 667 will be available free from venues across the region.

Humberside Police said underage drinkers had been using fake ID, including passports and driving licenses, to buy alcohol and gain access to venues. A total of 12 passports and eight driving licences were handed in to police over the festive period.

Licensing officer Ken Stone said: “This pass card scheme will go a long way in tackling underage drinking as the pass cards carry an up to date photo of the card carrier.”