LICENSEES and pub landlords have signed up to a new scheme which combats underage drinking.

Teenagers in Banbury and Bicester must now show identity cards with photographs, which prove they are 18 or over, if they visit any one of 140 pubs in the north Oxfordshire police area.

WPc Lynda Burchett said: "Those who can't will be barred from buying alcohol in clubs, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets.

"Young people can apply for an official ID card, which carries a photo, or show a passport or a new-style driving licence, which also has photos. Nothing else will be accepted."

Pubwatch chairman Chas Finch, who runs the Elephant and Castle, in Bloxham, welcomed the ID card scheme.

He said: "Licensees around here have always co-operated in trying to stop under 18s buying alcohol.

"But sometimes fake or misleading ID cards have been shown. That is why we are signing up to stricter rules which mean there can't be any doubt about ages."

Application forms for ID cards are available at Banbury police station and local pubs. They are also available from the Portman Group, which campaigns nationally against underage drinking, on 0171 4991010.

Story date: Wednesday 16 February

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