MP Barry Sheerman launches CitizenCard in Huddersfield
Barry Sheerman MP applauds Huddersfields' adoption of 'No ID, No Sale' policy to stop children buying age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.
(front l-r) Shahid Ali, Maryam Allad, Barry Sheerman MP, (Back l-r) Chesanco James, Ann-Marie O'Flaherty, Karl Martin Levy, Ashley Newburn
Mr Barry Sheerman, on Friday 23 March 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. Barry was speaking at Al's Newsagents (Huddersfield HD1), where he was joined by proprietor Shahid Ali and CitizenCard's Chief Executive, Andrew Chevis.
The Huddersfield MP said that following the new government's decision to abolish National ID cards, schemes such as CitizenCard were essential:
I already have 642 CitizenCard cardholders in my constituency but I am urging all young adults in Huddersfield 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.
Shahid Ali 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:
I already have 642 CitizenCard cardholders in my constituency but I am urging all young adults in Huddersfield 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.
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.
