A CRACKDOWN on underage drinking in Wiltshire is underway as part of a week-long national campaign to raise alcohol awareness.

Local officers and the force licensing team is running inspections and test purchase operations across the county, identifying under 18’s being served within licensed premises and providing strong enforcement.

The week of action will also see visits to local licensees to provide them with written guidance on all aspects of licensing.

Tackling alcohol awareness is a joint approach from the public, health services and other bodies.

The week of action is an important reminder about raising awareness of the dangers of alcohol, reinforce the responsibilities of licensees and safeguard those on nights out across the county.

A large part of the licensing team’s work focuses on targeting the night time economy in large towns such as Swindon and Salisbury.

A key focus for the team will be publicising the importance of the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) and the risks of identity fraud.

PASS cards are a single, standardised card design that are easily recognisable, giving confidence to retailers that they can accept it as proof of age across the UK.

PASS Cards are supported by the Home Office, Trading Standards Institute, Security Industry Authority (SIA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Over 50 percent of passports lost in the UK going missing on nights out – a major concern for identity fraud. All 18-25 year olds are encouraged to apply for a PASS card.

Nightclubs and pubs are likely to seize passports and driving licenses which are falsely used by an individual. It is an offence to use someone else’s ID.

Lending your friend or sibling your ID document could see you facing prosecution under the Identity Documents Act or other legislation.

More information on the PASS ID can be found on their website: www.pass-scheme.org.uk