Gordon Banks MP launches CitizenCard in Ochil and South Perthshire at Premier Number One in Alloa
Gordon Banks MP applauds Ochil and South Perthshire' adoption of 'No ID, No Sale' policy to stop children buying age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.
Mr Gordon Banks, Friday 24 February 2012 called on local retailers to support the 'No ID, No Sale!' campaign which seeks to ensure that only adults can buy lottery, tobacco and other age-restricted goods. Gordon was speaking at Premier Number One (Alloa FK10), where he was joined by Store Manager Elizabeth Sullivan and CitizenCard's Chief Executive Andrew Chevis.
(L-R) Emma Doig, 22, from Alloa; Gordon Banks MP; Tony Doig, 20, from Sauchie; Elizabeth Sullivan, Shop Manager
The Ochil and South Perthshire MP said that following the UK government's decision to abolish National ID cards, schemes such as CitizenCard were essential:
I already have 508 CitizenCard cardholders in my constituency but I am urging all young adults in Ochil and South Perthshire, to obtain a CitizenCard or YoungScot Card that contains the police-endorsed PASS hologram. Only then can retailers fully implement the 'No ID, No Sale!' policy which allows adults to buy whatever they wish whilst ensuring that children cannot buy alcohol, tobacco and other restricted goods.
Martin Connelly who owns the shop is mindful that they face a fine of up to £10,000 if caught persistently selling restricted products to under-18s:
We have no wish to supply cigarettes or age-restricted products to children and we offer our younger customers a CitizenCard form which means they can prove their age. Every week we face dozens of attempts to buy tobacco by young people and if they cannot present valid ID we always refuse the sale.
More than two million CitizenCards have been issued across the UK since the scheme was launched by then Home Office Minister George Howarth in February 1999. The Scottish government supports the Police endorsement of Citizencard, YoungScot Card and other cards bearing the PASS hologram.
