Mornington venue Social on Main bans digital drivers licences as ID
A spate of teens using a fake digital drivers licence to get into Mornington Peninsula pubs has forced one venue to take drastic action.
South East
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Fake digital IDs are being used by underage revellers trying to get into Mornington Peninsula pubs, forcing at least one venue to ban virtual drivers licences.
Mornington bar The Social on Main has told patrons “due to way too many fake online IDs” it would no longer accept a digital drivers licence as a form of ID.
Instead customers will have to use a physical drivers licence, passport or proof of age card to gain entry into the venue.
“We understand this is a very inconvenient situation, and we are just as devastated, but unfortunately we need to do this so you can all still enjoy coming to the venue,” The Social posted to Facebook on Saturday.
Mornington police confirmed there were “plenty of dodgy (digital IDs)” being used.
“Young kids are turning up to venues with a screenshot of a digital drivers licence and trying to use that as ID,” Sergeant Jeremy Michau said.
He said the issue had been raised at a recent meeting of the Mornington Liquor Accord.
The group is a partnership between the local council and police.
The accord is voluntary but most licensed venues in the area are members.
Sergeant Michau said police advised security at venues to ask patrons using screen shots to exit the app and re-enter to remonstrate the ID was legitimate.
“If they have any doubts about a digital ID they can call police for support with verification,” he said.
“Or they are within their rights to refuse entry.”
Sergeant Michau wasn’t aware of any occasions when police had been asked to attend venues over concerns about fake IDs.
P-platers and learner drivers have been able to download heir licence and store it on state government apps since November 2024.
Ahead of the rollout Roads and Road Safety Minister, Melissa Horne said the change would make showing ID easier for many young people.
“Approximately 800,000 L and P platers will be able to access their licence on their phone just in time for summer – making it easier for them to go about their lives whether that’s driving around, going to a gig, or collecting a parcel,” she said.
“We’ve seen more than 1.2 million Victorians access their licence on their phones since we launched this technology in May (2024), and I’m sure we’ll continue to see a strong take up from our younger drivers
The Social on Main has been contacted.