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 ID / Age

Passports
Photographic Driving Licence
Proof Of Age Cards (i.e. Citizen card , Validate)

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

Be careful with driving licences as they can be issued when a person is 17 years old.

There are many different forms of "Proof Of Age" cards on the market, and although a large number of them are legitimate, it is wise for retailers to agree on which cards they will accept. This will mean that staff can become familiar with them and know what to look for when checking them. Whichever card(s) are chosen, ensure they carry the "PASS" hologram. The PASS hologram logo allows licensees and other retailers to know that it is a reliable and credible means of proof of age. Usually, there is a poster on display with a list of acceptable forms of ID on there.