ID for alcohol: proving your age
Acceptable forms of ID to prove you are over 18 include:
- A photo driving licence
- A passport
- A proof of age card, such as the PASS card
It’s a criminal offence to use false or borrowed ID to gain entry to licensed premises or to buy alcohol. The maximum penalty is a £5,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.
Challenge 25
Challenge 25 is a scheme that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID when they want to buy alcohol. Challenge 25 builds on the Challenge 21 campaign introduced by the British Beer and Pub Association in 2005, who represent the beer and pub sector. It’s now run by the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group, which represents alcohol retailers.
If you’re a licensee or involved in selling alcohol to the public, visit the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) website for more information about Challenge 25.
For more about the laws on alcohol visit the ‘Licensing Act 2003‘ government page.