ACS calls for retailers to support PASS approved ID petition
The Association of Convenience Stores is asking retailers, retail staff and suppliers from across the convenience store sector to sign a petition calling for Government action to support people carrying PASS approved ID.
The ACS says that the petition follows an increasing number of reports from cardholders that business owners are refusing to accept valid proof of age cards such as CitizenCard and Young Scot. These schemes approved by the Proof of Age Standards scheme are supported nationally by Government, Police and trading standards. However local authorities are often unwilling or powerless to act when businesses refuse to accept these cards.
The petition calls on Government to stipulate that PASS approved Cards are acceptable ID through legislation or statutory guidance.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “PASS cards are reliable and secure ID. They are available to everyone unlike driving licences and do not present the same risks to the owner from losing them as passports and driving licences.
“The industry has invested heavily in PASS and retailers have included the acceptance of PASS cards in their training schemes. It is confusing and unhelpful for businesses to refuse these cards, even if their intention is simply to be strict and avoid mistakes.
“The people who lose out are the young people who have made every effort to do the right thing. We believe Government must step in and help end this confusion.”
Details of the petition can be found at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22624
