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2.17 Deputy J.A. Martin of the Minister for Home Affairs regarding the introduction of a low cost formal identity card for young people to carry when entering licensed premises:
Would the Minister consider introducing a low cost form of identity card issued following the production of a valid passport which would obviate the present need for young people to present their £72 - now £77 - passport as proof of age when entering licensed premises? Thank you.
Senator B.I. Le Marquand (The Minister for Home Affairs):
I have considered this and decided against it because it already exists. It is called a PASS card and costs £10. Forms are available from the Parish of St. Helier and also online on a website called Validate UK. This provides precisely what is being suggested. I would also like to point out this is accepted by local licensees and in addition, of course, they also accept the new driving licenses.
- Deputy J.A. Martin:
I have brought this question because over the summer holidays I had to replace one of
my children who is now just over 16, and at that price and it was only because it was lost. On speaking to the Passport Office and then the licensing authorities, they are not accepting the PASS card. They are not accepting the new driving licence.
They are only accepting the passport and many are getting damaged in so-called phone parties and are being lost. The revenue to the Passport Office has trebled over the last few months but to people in their pocket and this is for children over 16 as well, having to pay £77 is just not acceptable. There is a breakdown somewhere and the licensees are not accepting anything but passports. I really wish that the Minister for Home Affairs could check this out and if he finds what I have found, look into this again. It should be local, based on the passport provided.
Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
I would be grateful if the Deputy could clarify the statement that she had to replace one of her children this summer? [Laughter]
Deputy J.A. Martin:
If only. No, my children's passport. He lost it. Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
My staff did make inquiries on my behalf and the information I have given reflects what they are telling me. I am quite willing to have this checked, but I can only pass on to the House information based upon the research conducted and that is they are is readily accepted.
- Deputy J.M. Maçon of St. Saviour :
I have a PASS card [Members: Oh!] [Approbation] and the point I would like to make is despite being encouraged to obtain one, the various establishments that encouraged us to obtain them are now rejecting us from access. I would urge the Minister to reassess the situation because, as Deputy Martin has said, these PASS cards are not being accepted.
Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
I am pleased to hear that the Deputy has not been refused because people think him too young to enter licensed premises [Laughter] and in the light of his revelations I will most definitely check on this.
The Bailiff :
Very well, then that brings all questions on notice to an end. We move now to questions to Ministers without notice.
The Deputy of St. Ouen :
Sir, sorry, just a point of information. I would like to correct a statement I made with regard to Deputy Lewis ' question when I said that I believed that the bid would be considered in October-November next year. The date when the bid will be considered is 26th June next year. Thank you.