DEFACED driving licences are being seized by doormen in Ipswich in a bid to prevent underage drinking.Staff at licensed premises in the town are confiscating any licences which have been purposefully altered or defaced to show a different date of birth.

DEFACED driving licences are being seized by doormen in Ipswich in a bid to prevent underage drinking.

Staff at licensed premises in the town are confiscating any licences which have been purposefully altered or defaced to show a different date of birth.

The scheme has been launched in response to reports that youngsters are tampering with licences in order to get into pubs and clubs.

Neil Boast, community safety sergeant for Ipswich, said: “This is a continuation of our NightSafe work with licensed premises to reduce alcohol related violence and disorder.

“It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy alcohol and equally for licensees to sell to these people.

“Youngsters can apply for a licence at the age of 16 so we are determined to nip this scam in the bud.”

Bob Coleman, the police licensing officer has been advising pubs and clubs to be extra vigilant.

Sites failing to abide by the law on underage sales would be subject to follow up police action.

He said: “Anyone producing a driving licence that is altered will find the licence is seized and returned to the DVLA with a report of what occurred.

“They then have to re-apply and pay for a new licence from the DVLA.

“We have told all pubs and clubs of this attempted scam and also informed the DVLA.”