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Retailer & Enforcer Information
Due diligence - do you PASS?
Determining the age of young people is difficult and is unlikely to get any easier. The pressure on retailers and their staff will continue to increase as technology enables fraudsters to produce more sophisticated and authentic looking proof-of-age cards.
This coupled with the increased need to verify age to avoid prosecution, means that retailers must have assurance that cards that are produced as proof-of-age are genuine and reliable.
PASS delivers a common standard through its easily recognised logo, which is backed by a robust audit and accreditation process to help protect retailers of age restricted goods, and their employees, against being taken in by the many fake cards around.
The key feature to look out for is the PASS hologram which is present on all PASS accredited cards. This provides a standard for those staff involved in selling alcohol, tobacco and other age-restricted goods.
Asking for and accepting PASS cards is due diligence. Remember to follow the five step checking process.
Five step checking process
Follow these simple 5 steps to make sure you avoid making an underage sale:
Step 1 - Check the PASS hologram. Is it genuine - [as shown on sample/training cards]
Step 2 - Check the photograph. Does it match the person in front of you?
Step 3 - Check the date of birth. Is the person old enough?
Step 4 - Check the card. Has it been tampered with?
Step 5 - Check the person. Are you satisfied
A poster illustrating the 5 step checking process is available under Downloads for Retailers. And don't forget ot order free training cards to help with recognition of the PASS hologram.
Who accepts PASS?
PASS is endorsed by the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Trading Standards Institute (TSI). The PASS scheme is actively encouraged and supported by all the major trade associations, including the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), the BII, NOCTIS and the National Pubwatch Scheme. Acceptance of PASS cards is furthermore promoted as part of the Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 schemes.
The business case for accepting PASS
- Nobody has ever been prosecuted for accepting a card containing a PASS hologram
- Virtually every failed test purchase is a failure to ask for proof of age, not an acceptance of a false card
- Asking for and accepting a card with a PASS hologram with the correct photo and date of birth is due diligence
- One third of 18 and 19 year olds don’t have either passport or driving licence so a PASS card may be their only form of ID.
Don't turn away legitimate business!
Get Passed
Young people can get hold of PASS accredited cards from a number of the card issuers.All cards that are PASS accredited carry the distinctive PASS logo in a hologram.
When to use your card
Problem Resolution
PASS is supported by:
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