Launching the free-to-18s card scheme are, from the left, nightclub manager Adam Burroughs, drug and alcohol strategy coordinator Andrea Nightingale, Will Thompson,Will Maxwell and Fabian Gonzalez. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0844770)

ISLANDERS are to get an 18th birthday card aimed at stopping them drinking before the big day.

Director of public health Stephen Bridgman said the proof of age scheme was a good idea.

People were admitted to hospital because of under-age drinking, he said, and binge drinking remained a concern.

‘The bottom line is that alcohol remains a major cause of death and morbidity,’ he said.

‘Some of the risks are underestimated.’

Dr Bridgman said a UK advisory unit had attributed 20% of breast cancer cases to alcohol.

‘In my annual report I will be reminding people of sensible drinking measures.’

The CitizenCard is being offered free to youngsters on their 18th birthday in a joint project between the States, the UK Government, Guernsey Police, nightclubs and schools.

A single card will have a large photo of the holder and will clearly state that the individual is 18 or over.

Les Folies d’Amour general manager Tony Le Marchant, who is a member of the Guernsey Licensed Victuallers’ Association, said fake identity cards were rife in Guernsey but the CitizenCard would help prevent would-be under-age drinkers getting into establishments.