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The benefits are:

• You can carry around a form of proof-of-age that is not a valuable document such as a passport or driving licence.
• Carrying a PASS accredited card can prevent you from being embarrassed or refused for a product that you are legally entitled to.

It is important that young people are aware that no form of ID will guarantee access to age restricted products and in particular that there is no automatic right of entry to premises nor is there an automatic right to service of alcohol. Entry is always at the discretion of the licensee for whatever reason he or she decides. Whilst the vast majority of retailers and pubs support the PASS scheme and include reference to it in their company policies and procedures, front line staff are encouraged to refuse admission and/or service if they are in any doubt whatsoever about a person’s age. Increasingly tough enforcement of legislation to prevent selling to under -18s means that there is very strong pressure on operators to refuse entry if they have any grounds to believe that a person is under 18, regardless of the form of ID they present.

To apply for a PASS card, you should contact card issuers direct. Contact details for all PASS accredited schemes are listed in the section "Information for Young People".

If you have a PASS card and it is refused by a retailer you should download and complete the card refusal form below and email it to kate@pass-scheme.org.uk.

This information will help us contact the venue and find out why the card was refused. This card refusal form will ensure you complete the necessary information that will help the card issuer follow up your enquiry.

The decision to opt for a regional or national card is a personal choice. The important factor is to ensure the card scheme chosen is PASS accredited. For a list of national card schemes visit national card supplier or see whether you live in an area with a regional supplier.