Teens warned 'Don't risk fake ID'
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TEENAGERS in Moray considering producing fake ID in a bid to buy alcohol have been warned they could face a hefty fine or even prison.
The warning comes as new alcohol legislation comes into effect this weekend which means anyone under the age of 25 can be asked to produce ID when trying to buy alcohol from clubs, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets or convenience stores.
The Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 introduces a new mandatory condition for all premises licences and occasional licences requiring that there must be an age verification policy in relation to the sale of alcohol on the premises. This comes into effect from Saturday (October 1).
The new law means anyone can be asked for identification where they appear under the age of 25 to prove that they are over the age of 18 and can lawfully purchase alcohol.
There are three forms of identification which licensees and their staff can accept as proving your age. These are:
•Passport
•European Photocard Driving Licence
•PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) accredited proof of age card.
Constable Alison Thow, Crime Reduction Officer for Moray urged under-18s not to try and beat the system.
"Under 18’s may be tempted to borrow an older relatives document, tamper with their own document to alter their age or obtain a fake ID online," she said.
"It is an offence under the Identity Documents Act 2010 to possess an identity document that is false or relates to someone else. A person, if convicted, can face a fine or prison, and have a criminal record."
She said young people can also leave themselves open to identity theft if they purchase a fake ID online which could cause financial loss and future credit problems.
A spokesperson for the Moray Pubwatch scheme said: "Anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 may be asked for identification. We will only accept a current passport, a photocard driving licence or PASS proof of age card such as the Young Scot card.
"We use special lighting which shows up any tampered or fake documents and will pass these onto Grampian Police."
