Age Restriction & ID

There are some products which are age restricted, such as alcohol, cigarettes and knives. However, due to "Think 21" or "Think 25" in some places, even if you are over the age restriction, they may ask you for ID. But are you aware of the age restrictions and age restricted products, and how you can prove your age?

Alcohol

No off-sales to those under 18
No sale to those buying on behalf of an under age person
Offence by under age person to buy
No sales of chocolate liqueurs to those under 16

Cigarette lighter refills (Butane)

No sale to those under 18
Only sell one can at a time

Crossbows

No sale to those under 18

Fireworks

No sale to those under 18
No sale of indoor fireworks, caps and throw downs to those under 16
Prominent display of national safety campaign material
Not sell outside the permitted period without an all year licence

Knives

No sale of knives (other than pen knives with a blade less than three inches), knife blades or razor blades (other than those in a cartridge), axe or any product which has a blade or point which could cause injury to those under 18
Query what use a young person will have for a pen knife.

Lottery

No sale of National Lottery tickets or Lotto scratch-cards, by or to those under 16

Acceptable Forms of Proof of Age

Birth certificates are not an acceptable method of proving a person's age. How do you know that it's their birth certificate and not belonging to a brother or sister?

Although there are differing forms of "Proof of Age" cards around, Blaenau Gwent Trading Standards strongly promote the Validate card. The card carries the PASS hologram which is government backed and shows that the card is a reliable and credible means of proving a young persons age. Having a Validate card means that a young person does not have to carry their driving licence or passport around with them - these items are expensive to replace if lost!

Trading Standards visit all schools in Blaenau Gwent and issue all 16-18 years olds in secondary education with a Validate card free of charge. Anyone who has somehow missed being given a card in school can go to their local police station who hold stocks of application forms and apply there. These are given free up to the age of 21.

Volunteers

Blaenau Gwent Trading Standards are currently looking for 15 and 16 year olds to volunteer for them. "Volunteers must look their age".

It is an enjoyable learning experience and they will provide the volunteer with a certificate for participating in the exercise that they may wish to use in their record of achievement for attending job interviews.