Young drinkers will be asked to prove their age at bars and other licensed premises when laws tackling under-age drinking come into effect next month.

Premier and National Security Minister Michael Dunkley said the ‘No Alcohol Under 18 — We Card’ initiative will “add to the safeguard required to prevent under-age drinking in our community”.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mr Dunkley said: “Research has shown that alcohol abuse by young people and its associated problems have profound negative consequences for minors, their families, their communities and society as a whole.”

Under new laws passed in July, certain licensed premises must demand identification — such as a valid driver’s licence or passport — from patrons suspected of being under the age of 18.

“What does this mean?” the Premier said.

“It means that, if requested, you’ll need to present your photo ID when buying alcohol and any licensed premises, such as a bar, restaurant, grocery store, nightclub, or anywhere where alcohol is served.”

Mr Dunkley, who was joined by representatives from the Department of National Drug Control, CADA and the hospitality industry, said that police will work in tandem with club owners to ensure that door staff are carrying out checks.

He said that the scheme had the backing of licensed premises owners who had trained up staff to comply with the regulations.

“The Amendment Act created offences for the breach of these new requirements,” he said.

“It also compliments efforts by organisations like CADA, the DNDC, and PRIDE by providing the enforcement safety net required as part of reversing any trend towards alcohol abuse in our community.

“The public will recall that in the summer of 2013, I convened a meeting of the owners and operators of liquor licensed premises in Bermuda.

“The matter of mandatory ID checks was an item discussed and identified as a real problem.

“In last year’s Throne Speech, we promised to address this issue and the implementation of this legislation represents an important promise kept by this Government.” The law will come into effect on Wednesday, October 1.