Green light for pub underage ID seizures
More pub operators will be encouraged to confiscate ID used fraudulently to buy alcohol underage after the Home Office gave a virtual green light to seizures by doorstaff.
That's the view of Essex pub manager Nick Harmston, whose MP Simon Burns asked for clarity on the law by writing to the Home Office.
Harmston, of Marston's Que Pasa in Chelmsford, was advised by police not to let staff confiscate ID because it left them open to being sued.
A response from Home Office minister David Hanson said: "It is the Government's view that doorstaff are not committing a criminal offence by confiscating the ID as they lack the dishonest intent necessary to commit the offence of theft."
He advised venues not to return documents to individuals but hand them to the police.
Despite this, doorstaff could "lay themselves open to a civil claim for trespass to goods" if they confiscate ID that's used lawfully, although the risk of a successful prosecution is "low".
Harmston told the Morning Advertiser he welcomed the clarity from the Home Office. He said his bar has confiscated around 80 driving licences and passports since the MA reported his case two months ago.
"Some big companies have shown interest [in confiscating ID] and may want to start doing it now the green light has been given."
