Mike Crockart MP for Edinburgh West launches CitizenCard at Scotmid Co Operative in Edinburgh
Mike Crockart MP applauds Edinburgh West shops' adoption of 'No ID, No Sale' policy to stop children buying age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.
Mr Mike Crockart MP, 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.
Mike was speaking at Scotmid Co Operative (Edinburgh West), where he was joined by Store Manager Fraser Purvis, Scotmid Compliance Officer, Ian Lovie and CitizenCard's Chief Executive Andrew Chevis.
Photograph (l-r) Ian Lovie, ScotMid Compliance Manager; Mike Crockart MP; Laura Glancy, 19, from Edinburgh; Fraser Purvis, Shop Manager
The Edinburgh West MP said that following the UK government's decision to abolish National ID cards, schemes such as CitizenCard were essential:
I already have 514 CitizenCard cardholders in my constituency but I am urging all young adults in Edinburgh West to obtain a CitizenCard or a 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.
Fraser Purvis who is store manager 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.
