Identity crisis

Youngsters are increasingly using fake identification to illegally buy alcohol and cigarettes in Southwell, according to police and shopkeepers.

Under-18s are buying fake identification from the internet for as little as £5.

The provisional licensing officer for Newark and Sherwood District Council, Mr Paul Inman, said: “It has been flagged up that there has been an increase in the number of young people using fake identification cards in Southwell, and we are aware of the problem.”

Mr Inman said one of the most realistic cards being used was called a Nationality Card.

“These cards are specifically designed to look like a driving licence with the picture in the same place and the information on the card is in the same format as a driving licence,” he said.

“I have informed all the pubs in the area to be aware of these cards and to be extra vigilant.”

Mr Inman said these cards could be bought off the internet for between £5 and £10 and delivered directly to the children’s homes.

Another card being used is the United Kingdom Identification card.

Mr Inman said: “This card is not made to mimic any genuine identification. The concept of them is entirely made up and they hold no validation at all.”

He said the production of both cards was not against the law, so long as they were clearly advertised as novelty cards.

“Although making these cards is not illegal, the production of them is, in my view, completely irresponsible,” said Mr Inman.

“My advice to shopkeepers or people working in pubs and clubs is when they come across any of these cards, retain them and hand them to the police.”

The only acceptable forms of identification when buying alcohol and cigarettes are a driving licence, passport or citizen card.

Southwell’s beat officer, Pc Tony Hayes, warned that trying to use fake identification cards was an arrestable offence that would result in a life-long criminal record.

The owner of the Spar shop on Leeway Road, Mr Nick Turner, said he had noticed an increase in the number of children trying to use fake identification cards.

He said: “Three weekends ago we had to confiscate three cards in 12 hours.

“They look very similar to a driving licence and if you only glance at them you would think that they are genuine.

“When you are busy you only have time to look for the date of birth. It puts a lot of extra pressure on my staff, which at peak times we could really do without.”

Mr Turner said that over the summer 12 fake ID cards had been refused and some of the children trying to buy cigarettes and alcohol were as young as 14.

He said: “I think parents would be shocked if they knew what their son or daughter was doing.”

A shift manager at One Stop on King Street, Miss Becky Gibson, said: “We get fake IDs occasionally.

“You have to be aware of it because they will try anything to get what they want.”

A spokesman for the Co-operative Group, which has a store on The Ropewalk, said the company took age restricted sales extremely seriously.

Anyone looking under 21 will be asked to prove they are over 18 or a sale will be refused.

The spokesman said: “Our strict policies and staff vigilance means we are not seen as an easy target for underage drinkers.”

A shop caught selling alcohol to under-18s faces fines of up to £5,000. Persistent offenders could have their licence suspended or removed.