Robert Flello (Lab, Stoke-on-Trent South) introduced the Bill under a ten-minute rule motion to establish a national compulsory proof of age scheme for persons aged between 16 and 21 years in connection with the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, knives, air weapons and other items. 

He added that because of the “current absence of a national biometric identity card, the Bill is necessary”.  

He went on to say that conflict “frequently arises” over the sale of age-restricted items. He said “research shows that the refusal to sell age-restricted products is the most common cause of verbal abuse towards shop staff and that it can also provoke physical violence”. 

He suggested that the one way of addressing the problem of assault on shop workers was to “foster a culture of ‘No ID, no sale’, so that customers know that if they look under 21 years of age, they will need to show proof of that. That would help to defuse tension and reduce opportunities for confrontation when a customer is challenged about their age”. 

House of Commons

First reading: July 11 2007 [HC Bill 143]

Second reading: October 19 2007