Pubs of Ulster Urges Caution Ahead of Exam Results Day

13 August 2014

Pubs of Ulster today issued a reminder to pubs and clubs across Northern Ireland to be alert and step up their proof of age checks during exam results day in Northern Ireland. 

With thousands of young people across the province getting A-level results this week, the pubs body is reminding licensees to be extra vigilant when serving students and is also advising publicans to ensure door staff step up their checks on ID and are on the lookout for various forms of fake ID.

Colin Neill, CEO of Pubs of Ulster said:

“This week is obviously an exciting time for thousands of young people in Northern Ireland who will no doubt want to go out and celebrate their exam results with friends on Thursday night and over the weekend. Of course we want them to have a good time but we also want to ensure that they enjoy themselves in a safe, regulated environment. 

“We are reminding licensees to be extra vigilant this week to ensure thorough ID checks are carried out on people who appear to be under the age of 21, and to make sure that those forms of ID are genuine.

“We would also appeal to licensees to keep a look out for those young people who – whilst being at the legal age to consume alcohol - may get carried away with excitement on the night and consume too much.”

Pubs of Ulster recommend that licensees adhere to the Challenge 21 policy when serving young people. Challenge 21 is a proof of age scheme, introduced by Pubs of Ulster to encourage licensed premises to carry out ID checks on anyone who appears to be under the age of 21. Acceptable ID should be requested from licensees before admitting entry. Acceptable ID includes a current passport, driving licence, electoral identity card or PASS hologram card which will be accepted as identification by pubs, clubs and off licences.  

Anyone seeking further information or guidance regarding acceptable forms of identification can visit www.pubsofulster.org.