1 Sep 2014

Security concerns prompt 18+ card update

8:30 am on 1 September 2014

For the first time in 14 years, the 18 Plus card is getting security upgrades, and a price increase.

Since they were introduced in 1999 to offer those without a driver's licence legal documentation to buy alcohol, more than 229,000 18 Plus cards have been issued.

The changes include adding a second, transparent photograph, and a Hospitality New Zealand symbol that will be visible when the card is held up to UV light.

[Actress Lucille Ball drinking from a hip flask and slumping]

Photo: Unknown

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the changes had been prompted by security concerns because of the types of technology now available.