Martin Vickers MP applauds Cleethorpes’ adoption of ‘No ID, No Sale’ policy to stop children buying age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.
Martin 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. Martin was speaking at The Co-operative Food (DN35 8HP), where he was joined by The Co-operatives Operations Manager Paul Chamberlain, Cllr Bolton, CitizenCard’s Marketing Manager Nigel Catlow and Kenneth Stone Humberside Police Licensing Officer.
The Cleethorpes MP said that following the new government’s decision to abolish National ID cards, schemes such as CitizenCard were essential:
“I already have 1676 CitizenCard cardholders in my constituency but I am urging all young adults in Cleethorpes to obtain a CitizenCard or similar ID 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.”
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 Coalition government has continued the previous government’s policy of supporting the police’s endorsement of CitizenCards and other cards bearing the PASS hologram.
Neil Clark, Community Protection Manager for North East Lincolnshire Council said “We encourage businesses to take positive steps to prevent underage sales of age restricted products by challenging anyone who looks underage and are therefore pleased the Co-op have adopted the CitizenCard and support the ‘No ID, No Sale!’ campaign.”
“We also recognise the community impact of underage sales and the link to crime and disorder, the likely health risks and high cost of treatment and would urge anyone to report to Trading Standards any retailer selling age restricted products to children through Citizens Advice on 0845 404 0506 or text the word underage to 82055 followed by your message.”