ID checks in Hackney bars for the Olympics

Hackney Council is advising clubs and bars to instill ID checks, in the run-up to the Olympics. Manifesto Club steering committee member Manick Govinda reports: “Last night Hoxton Bar and Kitchen refused to let me and a friend in because we didn’t have official ID documents. Apparently it is on the advice of Hackney Council, in the run-up to the Olympics, with the aim to keep out troublemakers. The bouncer was very nice and thought it was daft.” Josie Appleton comments: “The Olympics has become an easy justification for any authoritarian measure officials fancy carrying out. In July we are welcoming the…

Why should a 27-year-old have to carry their passport to the supermarket?

A blog post by Sarah Boyes I was recently asked for ID at the till of a large London supermarket after a weekly shop that included a few bottles of wine. The cashier explained that she had just finished her training and had been sternly warned to ask for identification from anybody looking under 25, or else face a potential fine and criminal record. She added that the standards agency regularly send around underage shoppers to check cashiers are complying with ‘Think 25’ legislation, so was sorry but had to be very careful. Since I decided to argue the point, her supervisor…