The Government has said that digital IDs will soon be able to be used as proof of age when purchasing alcohol in England and Wales.
Looking to amend the Licensing Act 2003, trials of digital ID technology first began in 2022.
In 2024, a further Home Office consultation on the potential use of digital IDs found that 72% of respondents from local licensing authorities supported the proposal.
Now, the Home Office has laid regulations that allow customers at licensed premises to prove their age using digital checks from a registered digital verification service (DVS) provider.
Likely providers include Government-backed apps such as Yoti and Post Office EasyID, which have already been downloaded by eight million people in the UK.
The Government website explained that, in practice, this means customers will be able to prove their age in pubs, clubs, restaurants and shops without the need for a passport or driving licence.
Presently, the Mandatory Licensing Conditions require that proof of age must include a physical security feature such as a hologram or ultraviolet mark. However, the new legislation seeks to remove this barrier.
Commenting on the benefits for retail and hospitality venues, the Government said that the digital ID system would speed up service and provide a route into the use of digital tools.
It continued that the legislation now needs to complete its passage through Parliament. Meanwhile, the Home Office will share an updated implementation timetable soon.
On the changes, Home Office minister Sarah Jones, said: “Today I am pleased to inform the House that those members of the public who are fortunate enough to look younger than their age, but are always having to carry their passport or driving licence to prove they are 18 or over to buy a pint in a pub, will soon no longer have this dilemma.
“In future, digital ID will be a quick and secure way to prove age without revealing any additional personal details to bar staff and will mean that passports can be left safely at home by those who choose this option.”
