New guidance from the Home Office that allows for the use of military ID in licensed premises to check proof-of-age has been welcomed by both industry and defence Minister Andrew Robathan MP. False ID Guidance gives examples of military ID that can and should now be used by door staff.
Andrew Robathan MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence and Minister for Veterans, comments:
“We are delighted that servicemen should now always be served in pubs and clubs as they can use ID cards to prove their age.
“We have previously seen the ridiculous situation where, just back from Afghanistan fighting on behalf of our country, young looking men have been refused service in bars on grounds of age. I would urge all door staff and publicans to accept this proof of age, which has been approved.
“At this time, when our troops are doing such good work in the public eye helping the Olympics, this new guidance is particularly welcome. I am grateful to the BBPA for supporting this real need for change and our armed forces.”
Brigid Simmonds, British Beer & Pub Association Chief Executive, adds:
“We will be looking at the new guidance in detail, but I am really pleased to see that this new version covers military ID. It is only right that the ID of our armed forces should be acceptable as proof-of-age, and this new guidance will make it easier for door staff to become familiar with the relevant types of ID card. This sends a positive message to police and local authorities that pubs can accept military ID.
“It is also a reminder of the real benefits to young people of having a card carrying the PASS hologram, so they can leave more valuable documents at home when enjoying a night out.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
The Home Office guidance is available here:
The BBPA has been working with the MOD and the Home Office and is delighted that we can now circulate visuals of military ID which publicans and door staff can learn to recognise.
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and own half of Britain’s 51,000 pubs.
For further information please contact:
David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs: 020 7627 9151 /
Neil Williams, Communications Manager Tel: (020) 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779
Gareth Barrett, Public Affairs Officer Tel: (020) 7627 9154