Wiltshire Police are backing a national campaign to raise alcohol awareness this week.

Local officers and the Force Licensing Team will be running inspections and test purchase operations across the force area, identifying under 18s being served within licensed premises and providing strong enforcement.

The days of action, in the week of action launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), will also see visits to local licensees to provide written guidance on all aspects of licensing.

The campaign is a reminder about the dangers of alcohol and aims to reinforce the responsibilities of licensees and safeguard those on nights out across the county.

A large part of the licensing team’s work focuses on targeting the night time economy and the Force Licensing Team will be publicising the importance of the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) and the risks of identity fraud.

PASS cards are a single card that is easily recognisable, giving confidence to retailers that they can accept it as proof of age across the UK.

PASS Cards are supported by the Home Office, Trading Standards Institute, Security Industry Authority (SIA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Over 50% of passports lost in the UK go missing on nights out - this is a major concern for identity fraud - and 18 to 25-year-olds are encouraged to apply for a PASS card.

Nightclubs and pubs are likely to seize passports and driving licenses which are falsely used by an individual and it is an offence to use someone else’s ID. 

More information on the PASS ID can be found at www.pass-scheme.org.uk

David Bennett, Force Licensing Manager, said: “It is important we support the national ACPO campaigns. We work continuously to improve the licensing arena across the county.

"This week we will be running extra operations to promote public safety and to reduce crime associated with alcohol.”