HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY
 
 20TH SEPTEMBER, 1988
 
 IDENTITY CARD SCHEME - CHARD, SOMERSET
 
 
 Report of the Chief Constable
 
 
 1.   INTRODUCTION
 
      At the meeting of the Police Authority on 5th July, 1988,
      requested that a report be produced for the next meeting on the
      issue of identity cards recently introduced in Chard, Somerset.
      This report is in reply to that request.
 
 2.   OPERATION OF THE SCHEME
 
 2.1  The identity card scheme operates in the Chard Police Section
      which has a population of approximately 10,000.  There are 13
      licensed premises in the town centre with a further 17 within
      walking distance.  The original idea for the scheme came from
      the main suppliers of brewery products to the area, namely BASS
      (Plymouth).
 
 2.2  BASS (Plymouth) supply the identity cards and the laminated
      holders.  The cards carry a 'BASS' advertisement for commercial
      interest purposes.
 
 2.3  Whilst no costs fall to the Police they are required to
      administer the scheme.  Any person of 18 years or over may call
      at Chard Police Station with a passport style photograph
      together with a form of identification (e.g. Birth
      Certificate).  No other verification checks are carried out but
      those issued with a card are listed on a register held by the
      Police.  To date 93 cards have been issued.
 
 2.4  The scheme has only been in operation for a few months and no
      evaluation has yet taken place.  It relies on the full
      co-operation of licensees and is very local in its application.
      It clearly cannot cope with visitors to the area or passing
      trade.
 
 2.5  As stated verification takes place at the Police Station.
      Local knowledge is essential as without it there is no
      guarantee that the individual and the identification documents
      relate to one and the same person.
 
 2.6  The National Licensed Victuallers Association have sought to
      launch a similar scheme throughout their affiliated areas.
      Validation by the Police is a necessary ingredient and the
      Association of Chief Police Officers has considered the matter
      nationally.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2.7  Any action taken by NLVA to reduce underage drinking is to be
      applauded.  But for the reasons set out in 2.4 and 2.5 the
      scheme has difficulties on a national basis.  In any event it
      would not be practical for police to engage in vetting and
      registering cardholders.
 
 RECOMMENDATION
 
      That the report be noted.

Up: Top of this page       Home: Hantsweb Homepage