The British Retail Consortium is finalising a deal which will allow it to put its PASS logo on the government's Connexions smart card. John Warwick, md of Connexions marketing company Capita, said negotiations for putting the proof of age standard logo in the Department of Education and Skills sponsored Connexions scheme should finish next month. Although Connexions was initially intended as a loyalty card for young people who stayed on in education, retailer groups led by the BRC highlighted its potential to unify identification schemes for 16 to 19-year-olds. BRC head of parliamentary affairs Russell Hamblin-Boone said: "Negotiations are proceeding encouragingly. We should have finalised details with stakeholders of putting PASS on Connexions cards by May 30." Some 17 stakeholders ­ industry bodies including the Association of Convenience Stores and the Newsagents' Federation and proof of age card companies ­ agreed minimum standards for proof of age cards last November. But plans to launch an endorsement scheme for existing cards collapsed because of lack of funding. Stakeholders will now elect a PASS board which will oversee a proof of age accreditation dimension to the Connexions scheme. A PASS proof of age logo is likely to be added onto the Connexions card from September, said Warwick. The Connexions smart photocard has already had a regional launch in the north of England. {{NEWS }}