The PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) hologram was launched by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in January 2003 in an attempt to combat the increasing problems of young people using forged ID cards.

PASS is not itself a proof of age card. It is an accreditation scheme created to make it easier for retailers, publicans etc to identify valid ID cards from the various existing proof of age card schemes. Those cards that meet the standards set by the PASS Board display a common holographic logo which is easier for retailers to recognise and harder to counterfeit.

PASS helps retailers to comply with the law. It helps young people prove their age to ensure they can access goods and services they are entitled to; but it also protects them from the risks posed by the purchase of age restricted goods to which they are not entitled.

The scheme is supported by the Trading Standards Institute, Alcohol Concern, ReSolv and various industry trade associations. The Wine & Spirit Trade Association has a seat on the PASS Board.
Accreditation by PASS demonstrates that card issuers have in place a rigorous checking procedure which has been audited by Trading Standards. Trading standards has stated that only PASS cards, passports and driving licences with photographs will be accepted in future as proof of due diligence.

There are currently 1.5 million PASS accredited cards in circulation in the various different PASS-approved schemes. Click Here to download a copy of the PASS leaflet.

For further information, contact Stephen Hogg ( or 020 7089 3882) or click here.