Atten-shun door-men: Military ID now valid in pubs
By: JimOldfield
August 7th, 2012
British servicemen can now be sure of getting a pint in their local if they are old enough to drink – after the Government acted to correct a “ludicrous” anomaly in which their military ID could NOT be accepted by doormen.
In March 2011, the Government finally permitted the use of military ID cards as proof of age – and the move has now been ratified in the publication of new guidance from the Home Office, in a paper entitled False ID Guidance.
The document gives examples of military ID that can and should now be used by door staff and its publication was welcomed by both pub and brewing industry, and defence Under Secretary, Andrew Robathan.
Mr Robathan said: “We are delighted that servicemen should now always be served in pubs and clubs as they can use ID cards to prove their age.
“We have previously seen the ridiculous situation where, just back from Afghanistan fighting on behalf of our country, young looking men have been refused service in bars on grounds of age.
“I would urge all door staff and publicans to accept this proof of age, which has been approved.
“At this time, when our troops are doing such good work in the public eye helping the Olympics, this new guidance is particularly welcome. I am grateful to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) for supporting this real need for change and our armed forces.”
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “We will be looking at the new guidance in detail, but I am really pleased to see that this new version covers military ID.
“It is only right that the ID of our armed forces should be acceptable as proof-of-age, and this new guidance will make it easier for door staff to become familiar with the relevant types of ID card.
“This sends a positive message to police and local authorities that pubs can accept military ID.
“It is also a reminder of the real benefits to young people of having a card carrying the PASS hologram, so they can leave more valuable documents at home when enjoying a night out.”
The BBPA will now begin circulating specimen ID cards to the trade, so that publicans and door staff can quickly recognise them.
Meanwhile, industry staff can view the guidelines using the link below.
Hand-Pumped link:
