National identity cards, which are to be introduced on a voluntary basis from 2011, will help pubs and bars address the underage issue according to Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary.
Johnson said the cards would be the most “convenient, secure and affordable way of asserting identity in everyday life”.
He said: “The benefits are not just for individuals but also for communities where a reliable proof of age will be invaluable in the fight against underage drinking and young people trying to buy knives."
The government has stepped back from enforcing a national identity card through legislation.
A recent survey by CGA showed that two out of three late-night venues would not accept ID that features the PASS (proof of Age Standards Scheme) card.
