OFT issues one thousandth 18+ Proof of Age card

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading is pleased to have issued its thousandth 18+ Proof of Age card to David Hardinge. David, who has just turned 18, will be able to use his card to buy age restricted goods in shops and on licensed premises.

The sale of cigarettes and tobacco products, alcohol, fireworks, solvents, videos and petrol are all controlled by laws that restrict the age at which they can be bought. Retailers and licensees can find it difficult to assess the age of young people wishing to buy these goods. The 18+ Proof of Age card was introduced to help them comply with the law. It allows anyone of 18 years or more to buy the goods they want hassle-free.

Chairman of the OFT Bill Henderson MHK, commenting on the issue of the thousandth card, said:

“The 18+ Proof of Age card has been an all round success. Retailers and licensees have an easy method by which to validate a young person’s age. Young people over 18 are able to prove that they can legitimately purchase the goods they want. We also know that under 18s have been deterred from trying to buy age restricted goods when they see that the Proof of Age card is required.”