Herts County Council is working to make proof of age cards available to young people at a reduced cost to help minimise the sale of alcohol to under 18s.

A council spokesman explained around 40 per cent of 16 to 24 year olds do not hold a driving licence and Herts Police discourages carrying a passport as proof of age.

He said: "A significant portion of young people cannot prove their age when wishing to buy age-restricted products, in particular alcohol and tobacco.

"Buying an ID card from Validate, the company that produces them, would cost £10, but we are working with them to try and ensure bulk distribution through schools by the new year, which means they would only cost £2.50 each."

The council has looked to similar schemes in other parts of the country where alcohol sales to under 18s dropped by more than 25 per cent with the introduction of the cards.

It will not be compulsory but it is hoped that Validate will expand the discounts it offers people who purchase a card, such as a free driving lesson, as an incentive.