Baroness McIntosh takes hot seat at PASS

01-Mar-2018 - Last updated on 01-Mar-2018 at 11:06 GMT

Experienced head: Baroness McIntosh takes up a new role at PASS

Related tags House of lords Home office United kingdom

Baroness Anne McIntosh of Pickering has taken up the chair of the board position of the recently revamped PASSCo community interest company, which operates the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS).

PASS accredits UK proof-of-age card issuers to a consistent standard across the UK and is supported by major trade bodies: the Association of British Bookmakers; Association of Convenience Stores; Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers; British Beer & Pub Association; British Institute of Innkeeping; and the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Baroness McIntosh, who has 10 years' experience as an MEP and a further 18 years as an MP, recently chaired a House of Lords committee created to take an in-depth look at the Licensing Act 2003, which reported in April 2017.

Putting PASS 'top of the list'

Discussing her new role, Baroness McIntosh said: “I am delighted to take on the responsibility for the newly restructured PASS board.

“It is crucial that access to and control of age-restricted products is well enforced in the UK. Increasingly widespread take-up, use and acceptance of PASS cards – especially in the night-time economy – are central to achieving that aim.

“I am delighted to be joining a more representative PASS board that includes card issuers, and which is both fit for purpose and fit for the future. The recent changes that have been made will improve PASS’s focus, decision making and – with even greater support from Government and its agencies – will heighten its ability to deliver wider acceptance of PASS cards right across the UK.

“My priorities in my first year include raising the profile of PASS and winning even more support and engagement with the scheme from key organisations, including the Home Office, the police, the passport office, the DVLA and an increasing number of local authorities.

“The police and other enforcement agencies have a huge role to play in reinforcing confidence in PASS with the public, with retailers and with front-line staff. My aim – with the support of the PASS Board – is to put PASS cards at the very top of the list of proof-of-age documents.”

'Vital' role

Home Office minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability Victoria Atkins added: “I am delighted that Baroness McIntosh has taken on the role of PASS chair. The role they play in accrediting suppliers of proof-of-age cards in the UK is vital for providing confidence in the validity of these cards.

“Sellers of age-restricted products, such as alcohol, can be confident in accepting all cards with PASS holograms. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has also allowed its hologram to be reproduced on all PASS cards as a way of demonstrating its full support.

“I look forward to working with Baroness McIntosh to improve both the take-up and acceptance of PASS cards across the UK.”