Teenagers caught using fake ID in Romford to be banned from pubs until 19

Havering Council and the Metropolitan Police Service have reached an agreement with local licensees that will see any teenagers caught attempting to use fake ID in order to drink under age banned from Romford's pubs and clubs until they are 19.

The police and the local authority also plan to make greater use of official written directions under section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act.

Dubbed “yellow cards” after the colour of the form, the directions require troublemakers under the influence of alcohol to leave the locality. The individuals will also be photographed and given a route to leave the town centre. They will be followed using CCTV. Failure to comply with the directions is an offence.

The moves are the latest steps in the authorities’ attempts to reduce alcohol-related disorder. Last month Havering revealed that 100 drunken individuals had been banned under the town's Banned From One, Banned From All scheme.

Under the crackdown on fake ID, individuals will be refused entry if caught. The fake or borrowed ID will be seized, and the premises’ door staff may call the police.

Officers will then question the teenager about their true age and identity and ask them for contact details for parents. The individuals face being barred from Romford’s 16 licensed premises until they are 19.

Cllr Michael White, Leader of Havering Council, said: "We are experiencing a rise in the use of fake ID by teenagers attempting to gain entry to Romford's popular bars and clubs. Alcohol in young hands can be a recipe for trouble.

"Our message to young people is if you are caught out, you'll be kept out of Romford until you are 19. We want young people to enjoy nights out in Romford once they are 18.”

Borough Commander Mick Smith, Metropolitan Police Service Havering, said: "We have agreed with our licensed venues that anyone caught using ID in such circumstances will be barred from all Romford venues till they are 19. It's a tough message but a clear one... you are welcome but only when you're 18. We are rolling out an education campaign into schools and colleges over the next few weeks highlighting the consequence of using fake identification.

"With Section 27 notices we can effectively target people drinking before coming out and thus prevent later drunkenness and disorder in venues. It sends a clear message that drunkenness or antisocial behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Romford."