Will National Identity cards have any direct benefits for the hospitality industry?
While a national identity card would give employers greater certainty when employing people - which may overcome the problem of establishments unwittingly employing illegals - it does represent yet more regulation on the part of government. Until the Government's intentions are clearer it's difficult to see whether it will be worth the cost and effort.
Martin Couchman, Deputy Chief Executive, British Hospitality Association
JD Wetherspoon doesn't have any strong feelings one way or the other. But as a pub operator we are always on the lookout for underage drinkers, so if a national identity card is introduced it should make enforcing the law easier.
Eddie Gershon, Wetherspoon spokesman
I think it's a good idea. Most of Europe already carry some form of identification, so why should we be any different? Business-wise, I think it could help speed up the induction process, helping us cut down the time it takes. At the moment we spend a lot of time waiting for new starters' personal details, such as their national insurance number, to come through. Being able to identify them straightaway would help us get them on to the payroll quicker.
Shirley Mundy, operations director at contract caterer Holroyd Howe
I don't see it having much effect on us here, although I suspect the effect on London will be much greater. I'm fairly ambivalent towards it - if it works it works. It might help with cheque payments, but overall it's not a pressing issue.
Marcus Kenyon, hotel manager at Macdonald Dunkenhalgh hotel near Blackburn, Lancashire