PUBS and bars are getting tough on teenagers who try to trick their way into venues using fake ID.

Members of the city’s Pub Watch scheme are clamping down on underage drinkers who either carry fake ID or try to use an older family member’s identification to convince bar staff to serve them.

In the last six months, three 17 year olds have been banned from all Pub Watch venues in the city and the exclusion will continue for six months after they turn 18.

If they try to breach the ban they will be barred from Salisbury’s bars and clubs for another year.

“In the past Pub Watch has mainly come down on people who are verbally abusive or violent,” said committee member and owner of the Cathedral Hotel, Tony Negal.

“Now we are also tackling those who try to use fake ID.

“Banning them after they have turned 18 for trying to use fake ID beforehand really does hurt them and should be a serious warning.”

Pub Watch has teamed up with the police, Wiltshire Council’s licensing department and local schools to stress how serious carrying fake ID can be.

Visits have been made to offenders’ schools and their parents have also been informed.

“One problem is that people don’t realise how serious this is,” said Mr Negal.

“They’ll try to use their ID in several venues and they’ll never stop to think that this is somebody’s livelihood.

“I employ 35 people, if we get shut down because we lose our licence, then that’s a lot of people out of work.

“The fines for bars and pubs that serve under 18s can be huge, so trying to use fake ID is a very serious matter.

“All door staff and bar staff receive training and we challenge anyone who looks under 21 but anyone can make a mistake.”

Pub Watch – which has about 80 per cent of the city’s pubs and bars in its membership - says it will continue to get tough on any under 18s who try to use fake ID and will consider more banning orders if necessary.