Yes we had to do this when I worked for Dune in Debenhams, lots of retailers are doing this now. Under 18s could not have one, they had to have an ordinary staff discount card, some members of my team didn't want one as they were worrried about bein decined but the company negotiated with the credit providor that anyone who did not score well on the usual credit checks could have a card but only with a £50 maximum spend limit.
The cards can also be used for online shopping which was very good as it meant a better choice and better savings before discount.