How the ‘CitizenCard’ Benefits Traders and Retailers

CitizenCard should be looked upon as a positive advantage for traders and retailers of age-restricted products and services?

Growing numbers of enforcement operations by trading standards officers can threaten retailers’ liquor licence, lottery terminal and retailers and their staff can even face severe penalties for selling age-restricted products illegally.

Over 15,000 CitizenCards

Over 15,000 CitizenCards have been distributed to young people between the ages of 12 and 18 in Swindon since the schemes introduction. Over the last seven years young people who attended a Swindon secondary school have been given the chance to receive a CitizenCard free of charge through the Rolling School Programme. With this knowledge traders and service providers have the confidence to expect young people to have and use a CitizenCard as proof of their age.

Nationally Recognised Proof of Age Card

The CitizenCard is a widely distributed proof of age card that provides a clear indication of not only the person’s date of birth, but also the age bracket into which they fall and the date on which they reach the next age bracket.

Compliance with the Law

By promoting CitizenCard, the Government supported UK proof of age scheme and providing adequate staff training, retailers demonstrate “due diligence” on age-related sales and can protect their businesses and their staff from prosecution.  By asking to see a proof of age card if there is any doubt in establish a young person’s age, traders are complying with age-restricted legislation.  

Training should include advice on how to deal with sales, how to make a request for proof of age or indeed how to refuse a sale.  A record of all these details should be kept and training regularly renewed.

A full list of age restricted products and their relevant legislation is available

Forge-proof

Each CitizenCard has a laser etched photograph and details. The CitizenCard is the first PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) accredited proof of age card. The CitizenCard is now even more secure containing the new Home Office approved PASS hologram and security strip across the colour photograph.

The PASS scheme is in its initial stages but after a phasing in period of two years the only proof of age cards that should be accepted as genuine proof of age will have the Home Office approved ‘PASS’ hologram.

Moral Responsibility

By adopting a ‘No ID, No Sale’ policy traders can help to protect young people by making it more difficult for them to access age restricted products at a vulnerable stage in life. This helps to protect their health and reduces incidences of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

No ID, No Sale Policy

Guidance for Staff

• CitizenCard - Ask for a CitizenCard.
• Photograph  - Compare the photograph with the customer.
• Age - Check the age bracket and date on which they reach the next age bracket to establish they are old enough to purchase.
• Fake – Check the card is genuine and has not been tampered with or altered in any way.
• ‘PASS’ – Check for a PASS hologram.
• Application Form – Offer a CitizenCard application form if they do not have proof of age.
• Record – Record your refusal in a refusal book.

If in doubt, don't sell.

Guidance for Managers

• A 'No ID, No Sale' policy should be adhered to.
• Display a window sticker, poster and point of sale notices displaying age restrictions and your support of the CitizenCard scheme indicating you will be asking to see proof of age.

Display the statutory tobacco warning notice and make sure it is prominent and clearly visible at point of sale.

It is an offence to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

This sign must be displayed prominently and measure not less than 30 x 42 cm.

• Train all staff regularly.  Make sure they know which products have an age restriction on them and the procedures for selling those products. Make it clear that a CitizenCard is expected and the details on there are understood.
• Record all training and provide and review a refusal book in which staff can record any refused sales.
• Inform Trading Standards or the Police if you think a CitizenCard is being misused. Make a note of the card’s details and retain it. If you suspect misuse – don’t sell.

Please contact Trading Standards if you require some CitizenCard application forms or any other ‘No ID, No Sale’ materials or advice leaflets.