PASS SCHEME LAUNCHES WEBSITE

24-Apr-2006

 

Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS), the UK’s national guarantee scheme for proof-of-age cards, is today launching its website, www.pass-scheme.org.uk.

PASS was launched in 2003 to deliver reliability and recognisability to proof-of-age cards throughout the UK. It provides common high standards, an easily recognisable identity and a robust accreditation process to help retailers of age-restricted goods and services, their employees, enforcing authorities and young people themselves distinguish between genuine proof-of-age cards and fakes.

The website offers information on PASS, advice on what to look for in a PASS accredited proof-of-age card, and downloadable Point of Sale material and training information for those who sell age-restricted products such as alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets.  The site also features an application form and the requirements for proof-of-age card issuers who wish to have their schemes PASS accredited, as well as information for young people on to how to apply for a PASS accredited card.

PASS is backed by the Government and is supported by leading authoritative organisations including the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Trading Standards Institute (TSI).

Robert Humphreys, Chairman of the PASS Board said: “The launch of the website www.pass-scheme.org.uk means that retailers of age-restricted products now have immediate access to advice and downloadable materials to support them.

Over 1.5million PASS accredited cards are already in circulation and a further three new local authority card schemes, Suffolk County Council’s Explore card, Blackpool’s Proof-of-Age scheme and Denbighshire have recently received PASS accreditation, bringing the number of accredited issuers to almost twenty. PASS is now a truly universal standard and recognition and acceptance are rising day by day.”

For more information, please contact:

 

Maureen Heffernan    Leisure PR and Communications  (M) 07860 529 242  Email maureenheffernan@leisurepr.co.uk                                           

Robert Humphreys Chairman, Pass Board  (T) 01547 520 724      Email humphreysr@parliament.uk

Becky Haywood Leisure PR and Communications (M) 07771 528850 Email: rebecca.haywood@btinternet.com

Notes to Editors:

The PASS hologram on a card is the hallmark indicating that the card issuer has passed a stringent and rigorous audit process carried out by Trading Standards Officers and that the card may be relied upon.  In addition to this, accredited card issuers must pass an annual re-audit process to ensure that that the guidelines set by the Board are adhered to.

The PASS scheme is backed by the following Trade Associations:-

Association of Convenience Stores

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers

British Beer & Pub Association                  

Bar Entertainment and Dance Association

BII                                                        

British Retail Consortium

ReSolv                                                  

Ten Pin Bowling Proprietors Association

Video Standards Council.             

Wine & Spirit Trade Association,

Card schemes which are PASS accredited include:-

Major cards

CitizenCard                                            Connexions Card

Portman Group Card                               VALIDATE UK

Young Scot

Regional Cards*

Blackpool Council                                                Bracknell Forest SmartCard

Bury Council                                                      Denbighshire Council

Essex County Council                                          Herefordshire Council

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council      Southampton City Council

Suffolk County Council                             Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Wrexham Partnership

*Some issue only locally