MPs call for action against fake IDs

An MP is calling for Government action against firms that produce realistic-looking fake ID cards used by youngsters to buy alcohol in pubs.

Linda Riordan, Labour MP for Halifax in West Yorkshire, wants new legislation against the companies that produce the cards, which can be ordered from the internet for as little as £10.

She outlined her views in an Early Day Motion (EDM), a device used by MPs to flag up concerns. So far two 23 other MPs have signed the EDM.

The EDM "condemns irresponsible websites that are exploiting teenagers by producing fake proof-of-age cards and selling them to young people to help them get into pubs and clubs".

It "urges the Government to introduce legislation that can ensure the unscrupulous sites that are producing these fake proof-of-age cards can be closed down."

Riordan said she wanted card producers to be prosecuted if they encourage under-18s to use the ID to attempt to buy alcohol, regardless of whether they explicitly promote cards for this purpose.

Many card producers say the IDs are for novelty use only, but refer to them with expressions like "fake ID that really works".

Riordan said she believed the use of fake ID to buy alcohol was widespread nationally and in the Halifax area.

Licensees are reminded to only accept three types of ID: passports, driving licences and cards with the PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) hologram.

Robert Humphreys, chairman of the PASS scheme, said: "The implication of the EDM is that we have failed to get the message through to the people of Halifax that there's already a scheme to solve the problem she has addressed.

"PASS is the answer - we just have to get it through to the front line."