Trade welcomes ID card proposals

The trade has welcomed news that the government is to publish a consultation document on the introduction of a national ID card scheme.

Many licensees have been campaigning for a national ID card to end the confusion and inconsistency among existing proof-of-age schemes.

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, supports the idea of a national scheme and has written to Home Secretary David Blunkett outlining the benefits it would have for the trade.

He said: "The trade itself is in favour of ID cards but current ID cards are easy to forge." He also pointed out that ID cards could help cut out credit card fraud which would also be an advantage to licensees.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said he wanted a public debate on the issue, which, if introduced, could see ID cards replacing passports and driving licences.

Licensees have been concerned in the past over the number of proof-of age schemes in the UK, which can make it difficult to spot fake cards.