TEENAGERS are being forced to show their passports to bar staff in a crackdown on under-age drinking.

As Christmas approaches, pub landlords and managers have united to wage war on under-18 drinkers.

They are refusing to accept birth certificates and driving licences as proof of age. Instead youngsters must show their passport or a Portman card - a special 'prove your age' card.

The move comes after it was revealed that children - some as young as 13 - are trying to fool their way into Warrington's pubs.

Colin Wrench, manager of Time Square and chairman of Pub Watch - says other identity forms can be forged. He said: "Under-age drinking is an all round concern. We get the hassle at the end of the line and we're doing everything we can to stop the problem."

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