Proof of Age Card FAQs
Why should I have a Blackpool Council Proof of Age Card? Blackpool Trading Standards have the responsibility to enforce legislation concerned with the sale and supply of age-restricted products in order to safeguard the interests of young people in Blackpool. To assist retailers to comply with the legislation, we have been successfully running a Proof of Age Card Standards Scheme since 2000 and gained PASS (Proof of Age Card Standards Scheme) Accreditation in 2005. We have also recently successfully passed a very stringent PASS audit. It is not compulsory to have a Proof of Age card but is extremely advantageous.
Is Blackpool Council's Proof of Age Card widely recognised? Yes. Our cards are widely accepted in venues and retail outlets through Blackpool. In response to consultation with licence holders and consumers, the Blackpool Card was relaunched in December 2010 with the full support of the licensed trade via Pubwatch.
Can anyone apply? You must be aged at least sixteen (16) to apply for a card. Cards will not be issued to an applicant after their twenty-fifth (25
th) birthday.
What information will the card show?
The 16+ Card shows a picture of you, your name, date of birth, date when you are 16 and a ‘valid until’ date (this will be the day before you reach 18). It also has the PASS logo in the bottom right hand corner. You cannot apply for an 18+ card until the date you are 18. The 18+ Card shows Your picture, your name, date of birth and date when 18 (which is embossed for ease of recognition and added security). It also has the PASS logo in the bottom right hand corner.
How do I apply for a card? 16+ Cards are issued free of charge to all students of participating Blackpool High Schools on their 16th birthday, or alternatively, can be obtained by completing an application form and visiting our offices at Progress House or Customer First. If you have not received your card whilst attending a participating Blackpool School, applications can be made in person to enable us to take a current photograph of you (please note, all cards NOT issued through participating schools will be charged £10). The application form can be downloaded from the website, or you can call into one of our offices. Alternatively, phone us on 01253 478375, and an application pack will be sent out to you. Forms are also available from other council offices and some retailers.
Please note, no more than three (3) cards will be issued to an applicant in each calendar year
What do I need to bring in with my application form? To avoid any unnecessary delays in producing your card, please ensure you have competed the application form in full and have read and understood each section of the form. Incorrect or incomplete applications will not be accepted. You need to bring with you - a) A photograph, which must be signed and dated by an eligible verifier. b) For applicants with original ID and you are
not known to the verifier personally (for at least six (6) months) your verifier must countersign and date a photocopy of your original photographic ID i.e. Passport, Driving licence or national identity card or another card bearing the PASS hologram. If you have original ID and you
are known to the verifier (for at least six (6) months) your verifier can countersign a photocopy of your original, non photographic ID instead i.e. birth certificate, certified copy of a birth certificate, national insurance card or NHS medical card.
How much does a Blackpool Council Proof of Age Card cost? ALL cards will cost £10 (i.e. new or replacement).
When will I get my Proof of Age Card? Please allow a maximum of 28 days for your card to be sent from our suppliers back to us for final checks. On receipt of your new card, we will make contact with you on the telephone numbers you have provided us with, to advise you that your card is ready and will be posted out to you. Receipt of your card by you will be presumed after posting. Blackpool Council send out cards via first class mail. If you do not receive the card, you will have to apply again in full and pay the full application fee.
I haven’t received my card after 28 days, what do I do? In the unlikely event that you have not received your card 28 days after applying, please contact us on 01253 478375
Who can act as a Verifier? A Verifier must not be related to the applicant by birth or marriage, nor should they be in a personal relationship (this includes a same sex relationship) or live at the same address. They must be at least 25 years old, in work and able and willing to be contacted at their workplace by landline telephone and they also cannot be retired, self employed or work from home. A verifier can only support a Route 1 application (countersigning a photocopy of the Applicants original ID) if they are in a permitted Route 1 occupation. A list of permitted occupations can be found at section 6 in our
Terms and Conditions. A verifier can only support a Route 2 verification by certifying that an applicants details supplied on the application form match the applicants details held. For more, please refer to section 6 of our
Terms and Conditions. Please note, all verifiers will be contacted by Blackpool Council
How do I complain if I believe a Blackpool Council Proof of Age Card has failed me In situations where a retailer or proprietor has not accepted your Proof of Age Card and you wish to raise this with us, please download our Complaints form –
Proprietor's refusal to accept a POA Card
For complaints related to being refused a Proof of Age Card, please download our Complaints form –
Authorised Officer's refusal to supply a BCPOA Card.
I am a retailer or a licensee. How do I encourage my customers to use the Blackpool Council Proof of Age Card?
We are more than happy to provide you with free posters and application forms for your establishment or provide you and your staff with any training on the Proof of Age Card Scheme. Please contact us on 01253 478375 to request more information.
Where can I refer to a copy of your Terms and Conditions? Proof of Age Card Terms and Conditions Proof of Age Card Information Proof of Age Card Application Form