Proof of Age cards

badlydrawngirl

Hello,

Daughter is (probably) flying the nest soon to go to uni.
She needs some kind of proof of age card as she has problems getting into gigs at pubs (where they specifically state that "no id no entry" in the gig adverts). I really don't want her let loose in Manchester with her passport (at almost £80 to replace it WHEN she loses it) and some cards don't appear to be accepted at a lot of places.

Recommendations please

(sorry if this question has been asked before, I could only find one dated 2005!)

Thanks

The_One_Who

Every establishment will have different standards for what they accept for identification. Everywhere should accept a passport or a full (not provisional) driving licence. Some places will not accept a provisional licence, although the "studenty" places most likely will. Some studenty places will accept a student ID card as long as it's photographic and has the date-of-birth on it, but I wouldn't count on it. The "PASS" cards are next to useless when it comes to pubs and clubs, generally.

I've always used my passport and never lost it or had any issue. I'm aware of it I think in the same way that someone who keeps their licence in their wallet is aware of their wallet. To be honest, I'd say let her take her passport out and if she loses it then she should pay to replace it, as it is her responsibility to look after it.

Lifeforms

As I don't drive, I have no Licence. I looked into getting an "age" card (at the age of 30~ ) but what I was told in a few places that the ones they "promoted" were basically what they accepted, and this went over a few cards, with a few costs included.
I felt it was ridiculous to have to buy several cards, so now keep passport with me. Haven't had a problem with it, but i keep it in a cover (that doesn't scream passport/have it drawn or written on) and I keep it in internal rarely used zipped pockets in my purse. Also I never go and get rat-arsed to a stage I don't know what I'm doing, so losing it myself isn't a problem.

I still get age checked for cigs and alcohol tho o.O however now at least I can make them embarrassed when they check my passport age!
If it's for clubs and pubs, she should ask locally what is best proof wise, maybe on a uni board if she's got a uni to go too, or see what her friends use, or try the majority of the shops, see what they accept.
http://www.pass-scheme.org.uk/
http://www.citizencard.com/ <-- talks about debit cards too, which put me off for some reason
http://www.validateuk.co.uk/
those are some of the more popular that I looked into, but frankly it was a PITA with places accepting some, but not others etc. And the police couldn't give me a definitive card when I enquired to them.

badlydrawngirl

Thank-you to The One Who :T and Lifeforms :T

Superblink

Hello, I just though I'd add my perspective, because I am someone who is in the same position as your daughter, so me (and my friends) have recently been though this whole fiasco of finding reliable ID.

I'm afraid the only two things which are reliably accepted are:

• A Passport
• A Driving Licence (provisional or full - most of my friends use a provisional and I've never heard of anyone being rejected)

Whatever you do, I wouldn't get conned into buying a citizencard (or any other ID card), as I know people who have got these and find that they are rejected in many places.

The advantage of a passport is that she already owns it, but as you say it is £80/90 and a lot of effort to replace. It's also annoying not being able to go out a month before a holiday in case you lose it.

The advantage of a drivers license is that it is easier and cheaper to replace (from memory it costs £55 and can be done online, but don't quote me on that!) and it is also easier to carry). however it does cost ~£55 to get one in the first place.

purple.sarah

I use Validate which has a pass logo and only costs £15. I've used it at clubs, bars, cinemas, festivals and supermarkets and I've never had it refused, YMMV. They actually encourage you to contact them if it is refused so they can inform the establishment involved it is official id. I got it after I lost my passport and I have found it to be a useful alternative to taking out valuable ID. The Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) is supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) who advise against the practice of carrying valuable ID such as passports for alcohol related purchases.

Helix

purple.sarah wrote: »

I use Validate which has a pass logo and only costs £15. I've used it at clubs, bars, cinemas, festivals and supermarkets and I've never had it refused, YMMV. They actually encourage you to contact them if it is refused so they can inform the establishment involved it is official id. I got it after I lost my passport and I have found it to be a useful alternative to taking out valuable ID. The Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) is supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) who advise against the practice of carrying valuable ID such as passports for alcohol related purchases.

Doesn't make a blind bit of difference reporting places that don't accept it. Most are aware of what they are and make a decision not to accept them, they can't be forced to accept them either.

About 3 people in my group of friends had them when they first turned 18 and they were always being turned away, often meaning the whole group had to leave as we didn't want to leave them out. Only lasted a few months before they saw the error of their ways and got a driving license or passport.

CKhalvashi

In the school I used to work in, we used to issue BITE cards, however I don't know if they're still about.

CK

The_One_Who

Helix wrote: »

Doesn't make a blind bit of difference reporting places that don't accept it. Most are aware of what they are and make a decision not to accept them, they can't be forced to accept them either.

About 3 people in my group of friends had them when they first turned 18 and they were always being turned away, often meaning the whole group had to leave as we didn't want to leave them out. Only lasted a few months before they saw the error of their ways and got a driving license or passport.

Exactly. There is no minimum legal requirement (if there is and I've missed it, please link it) of what establishments can accept as identification. Everywhere will accept a passport and a full driving licence, but I do know of places that do not accept provisional licences.