OFFICIAL identification cards have grown in use. Other than a driving licence or passport, it is the only officially accepted identification and was mainly used by young
people to prove they were over 18.
But the card, which was first produced by the Crime Prevention Panel a year ago, is now increasingly being used by adults.
‘They are proving to be very useful, especially when people are flying and have to show ID at check-in,’ said Bucktrout manager Tony England, the former chairman of the panel.
‘They have moved on since they started a year ago and have a more adult format; they are also now recognised by financial services when people open a bank account.’
At least 300 people are believed to have obtained a card.
Mr England and police crime prevention officer Bernie English said that they were not aware of one ever having been forged. A passport or birth certificate, guaranteed by a professional outside the family, must be shown to get one.
‘We recommend that licensees should not accept anything else, other than a driving licence or passport,’ said Mr English.
‘If licensees have any concerns, they can contact me.’
Two cases were recently reported of youngsters using a fake ID card in pubs. These had been downloaded from the Internet.
‘It is not an offence to have a [non-official] card but there are the implications of using it for an illegal purpose.’
Fermain Tavern joint proprietor Gavin Marsh said that he had not noticed youngsters using fake ID cards, but understood that they were easy to get hold of. He had not seen the Crime Prevention card.
‘You can get an identification card on the Internet that they will make and send to you. We are taking the stance and would encourage every licensee to accept only a passport or driving licence.’
It costs £3.50 to get the photo ID card, which covers administration costs.
Article posted on 19th August, 2004 - 12.00am
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