Fake ID users will be nicked
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UNDER 18s trying to use false IDs in Newquay this summer to buy alcohol or enter nightclubs face being arrested.
Inspector Ian Drummond-Smith says youngsters who try their luck are liable to leave the resort with a criminal record.
He has issued the stark warning on behalf of the Newquay Safe Partnership, a multi-agency group which aims to address issues faced by the night-time economy. Officers seized hundreds of false driving licences and passports, along with huge amounts of alcohol, last year, and police have vowed to tackle underage drinking with even more gusto this summer.
The age people must have ID has been raised from 21 to 25 to further crack down on the problem.
Agencies say they are well-prepared to deal with the extra influx of under-18 students expected in Newquay this summer, which is due to rise from 5,000 in 2010 to at least 6,000 this year. Operation Exodus, which aims to manage and contain the youngsters celebrating finishing their exams, will launch a number of initiatives including checking youngsters coming into Newquay on board trains and planes for alcohol and drugs.
Insp Drummond-Smith said: “We know false driving licences are freely available on the internet typically for £20. They are generally printed outside the UK and are out of our jurisdiction. We are working in conjunction with our colleagues in Revenues and Customs to prevent false IDs entering the UK.
“We are training all door staff and off-licence staff to spot false IDs and this summer anyone using a forged driving licence is liable to be arrested and leave Newquay with a criminal record.
“Our message to anyone under 18 visiting Newquay this summer is ‘Save your money and your reputation: Don’t bring false ID – we are on to you!’ Newquay wants young people to have fun and stay safe this summer. Last year everyone had a great time in Newquay and went home safely. However, to help them stay safe we seized hundreds of false driving licences and passports and huge amounts of alcohol.
“We turned away parents with boot loads of booze and sent children home for their own safety. We showed what we can and will do to help keep people safe and we’re committed to continue with this successful approach again but with a bit more oomph!
“Newquay’s No ID – No Newquay now applies to anyone who is, or looks, under 25. If you are, or look under 25, you will need to bring ID with you, and we are looking out for false IDs.”
The Newquay Association of Licensed Premises (NALP) works closely with the Newquay Safe
Partnership. Police say door staff and off licence premises did a good job spotting and confiscating hundreds of false IDs last year.
Officers are currently training door staff and off-licences to spot fake IDs to further clampdown.
The only acceptable forms of ID in Newquay are a driving licence, passport or PASS card.
Lyndon Harrison, chairman of NALP, said: “Newquay has just been voted second top UK beach resort in Britain by TripAdvisor and we are all hoping for a great summer so everyone coming to Newquay can enjoy our great beaches and fantastic attractions.
“Our door staff do a great job making sure that people entering their premises are over 18 by challenging anyone lucky enough to look under 25 and turning away anyone under age.
“Equally our off-licences make sure people are 18 or over before they sell alcohol to them as well – so make sure you have some proof of age. We are continuing to work closely with the police and will be looking out for false IDs.
“We aren’t here to ruin people’s holidays but we have a job to do and we will do it to the best of our ability.
Everyone coming to Newquay wants to have a great time – and we want them to enjoy themselves as well – all we ask is that they respect our fabulous town and other visitors.”
