A ground-breaking identity card scheme is being launched this week by a group to combat under-age drinking.

More than 30 pubs and clubs are part of Colchester's Pubwatch scheme, most of them in the town centre.

Pubwatch will start issuing its own identity cards on Saturday from various premises around the town, and they will continue to be given out over the coming months.

Organisers hope the idea will tackle under-age concerns and other issues, which will ensure patrons to Pubwatch premises are over 18.

The card, which just covers Colchester, is being issued as Pubwatch licensees are not happy with other national under-age cards which they believe can be easily forged.

The cards will be issued from Saturday at the Hippodrome in High Street and for soldiers at the RMP police station.

And organisers also hope they can be collected from the Arts Centre during the day.

The Hippodrome will be issuing cards during its normal hours of operation, from 9pm to 2am.

There will be incentives and benefits for people holding the card, with money off admissions and drinks promotions.

By Stephen Rawlins

Reporter's e-mail: stephen_rawlins@thisisessex.co.uk

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