Fake IDs

Schemes to crackdown on underage drinking such as Challenge 21 and 25 have made it more difficult for people to use fake ID to buy alcohol or get into pubs and bars, but the use of counterfeit ID bought over the internet or borrowed ID from older siblings or friends by some young people can still cause problems.

Examples of the kinds of fake ID used include the international driving permit and the provisional motorcycle licence, which don’t even exist as real documents.

It is a criminal offence to use false or borrowed ID to gain entry to licensed premises or to buy alcohol. The penalties for doing so can lead to a maximum punishment of £5,000 and 10 years imprisonment. It is also an offence to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 and can lead to a maximum fine of £10,000 or premises being shut down.

If an ID has squared edges or appears like it was hastily printed, this is a red flag. At this point, a bouncer may ask the individual to recite information from the ID. They may also turn the person away without asking any questions. Bouncers also bend IDs just enough to see if they're resilient. 

How can you tell you are looking at a fake Id: 

- An incorrect flag image 

- The wrong words acress the top

- Different Language 

- A plain or simple patterened background 

- A photograph in the wrong place 

- No signiture 

Fake ids range from £25-£45 for all different cards