In the run up to Christmas shopkeepers and publicans, hoteliers and restrauteurs will be working flat out to ensure that we all have a fantastic time whether  we go out to celebrate with workmates and colleagues or decide to stay in with family and friends. Most of us enjoy a wee drink at this time of year, even those amongst us who do not normally indulge. Why not? It’s Christmas time.

If you are 25 or under or are with someone looking 25 or under all of the licensees above are likely to ask  for age identification. Why? Because the Scottish Government has decided that all persons selling or serving alcohol need to be sure that the person buying alcohol or for whom alcohol is being bought is over the age of 18. Challenge 25 means that any person who as they say “Is lucky enough to look under 25” can b e asked to prove their age by reference to approved forms of identification. These are a current passport or EU photo driver’s licence or a Young Scot or Citizen Card bearing the PASS hologram card. Many of us have passports and driver’s licences however these documents, if they are lost or stolen on a night out, are very expensive to replace. A passport is £77.50 or £112.50 for fast track service and £20.00 for a replacement driver’s licence. Money which is better in your pockets than in those of the civil service!

A Young Scot card or entitlement card is however free. Many of you or your children will already have one as they have been issued through most schools for the last few years. It may of course be the time to check to see whether the photograph resembles the carrier because if it does not service of alcohol will be refused.

If you or your family  have left school, you can apply to get a free card from your local council.

Aberdeen City Young Scot - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 01224 538003

Aberdeenshire Dialogue Youth - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0845 608 1200

Dundee, 01382 433030

Young Scot - www.youngscot.org/card - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0808 801 0338

The great thing about the Young Scot Entitlement  card is the discounts at over 1,400 outlets around Scotland. Check out the discounts section for a full list of discounts. It is also part of the European Youth Card Network which means you could get over 100,000 discounts in 42 countries. Check out eyca.org/discounts to find the discounts available in other countries. So it’s worth encouraging persons 26 and under to get a card.

One of the questions often asked by parents is “Can I buy son/daughter a drink when we are out?” The answer is Yes but only if the child is 16 or 17 years old,  is having a meal and if the premises manager so  permits.  Persons aged 16 and 17 can no longer buy a drink for themselves when they are having a meal.

For licensing queries, please contact Anthony Dawson or Janet Hood on 01224 581581