New ID card scheme wins community backing

A NEW ID card to stop under 18s getting into bars and clubs is being launched.

The "foolproof" Eyedeal card is the brainchild of a Glasgow bar boss keen to abide by stringent underage laws as well as ensure the safety of his customers.

Carlo Citti, 42, who runs the Campus, Classrooms and O'Couture venues on Sauchiehall Street has won the backing of both Strathclyde Police and Glasgow Community and Safety Services for his card scheme.

The Evening Times has also become the media partner of the scheme.

He said: "Everybody has to be ID-ed to get into a bar or club and we are trying to make sure under 18s don't get in. Because passports now cost £77 the kids are tending to carry old, out of date ones which makes it very difficult for door staff to judge who is pictured in them."

To get an Eyedeal card teens will have to present two forms of ID which will then be verified for authenticity.

Their picture will then be taken before the card is issued.

Carlo hopes 20,000 people will have signed up to the scheme by December.

The card is free and will also entitle holders to discounts at restaurants, hairdressers, driving schools, bowling alleys and businesses across Glasgow.

When holders enter a nightclub the card will be scanned to verify the carrier is who they say they are.

They will also be able to collect loyalty points towards free gifts.

Carlo added: "With the amount of fake ID cards out there it's really difficult to keep control. We've come up with a foolproof system."

Phil Walker, managing director of Glasgow Community and Safety Services said: "We are happy to support a range of projects which have an impact on reducing crime and disorder in the city centre, including those which prevent under 18s from accessing alcohol.

"We are committed to making the city a safer place."

Evening Times acting editor Tony Carlin said: "We are delighted to be associated with this excellent idea which hopefully will reduce anti-social behaviour in Glasgow's clubs and bars. Similar schemes have worked in other areas and it can only be in the interests of clubbers who are over age and looking for a good night out."

Chief Superintendent Anne McGuire, the senior officer in charge of city centre policing, said: "I am supportive any new initiative that gives licence holders the confidence of knowing that they are not selling alcohol to anyone under the legal age.

"This is responsible marketing and will assist the licence holder and the customer.

"It will also assist my Licensing Support Team in clarifying the age of individuals purchasing or in possession of alcohol."

To apply for one of the new ID cards, visit the website www.eyedealcard.com