Do retailers have to accept PASS cards?
It is important that young people are aware that no form of ID will guarantee access to age restricted products and in particular that there is no automatic right of entry to premises nor is there an automatic right to service of alcohol. Entry is always at the discretion of the licensee for whatever reason he or she decides. Whilst the vast majority of retailers and pubcos support the PASS scheme and include reference to it in their company policies and procedures, front line staff are encouraged to refuse admission and/or service if they are in any doubt whatsoever about a person’s age. Increasingly tough enforcement of legislation to prevent selling to under -18s means that there is very strong pressure on operators to refuse entry if they have any grounds to believe that a person is under 18, regardless of the form of ID they present.
