Customers in England and Wales will be able to use certified digital proof of age when buying alcohol under new rules introduced by the UK government, giving licensed venues the option to accept digital identities alongside traditional physical ID.

The changes mean pubs, bars, restaurants, music venues and other licensed premises can choose to accept digital proof of age from certified providers, allowing customers to verify they are over 18 using their smartphones.

The government said the move is intended to provide consumers with a more convenient and privacy-focused alternative to carrying physical identification while helping businesses combat the use of fake or borrowed IDs.

Rather than presenting documents displaying personal information such as their name or home address, customers will be able to share confirmation that they meet the legal age requirement.

Depending on the service being used, this could involve presenting a QR code for staff to scan or tapping a phone against a compatible reader.

Businesses using certified digital verification services will receive a simple confirmation that a customer has passed the age check, removing the need for staff to manually inspect physical documents during busy trading periods.

The government said the technology could provide greater confidence than traditional ID checks because certified digital services verify both the authenticity of the identification document and that it belongs to the person presenting it.

The changes follow a government consultation in 2024 in which 72 per cent of respondents backed the use of digital identities for age verification when purchasing alcohol.

Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “From pubs and restaurants to music venues and festivals, licensed businesses carry out millions of age checks every year. It will remain an individual or business' choice whether to use or adopt it, and physical ID will remain a valid way for customers to prove their age.

“This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out.”

The reforms build on the UK's growing digital identity ecosystem, where digital verification services are already used to access online services aimed at adults. Only providers certified under the UK digital verification services trust framework and listed on the government's statutory register will be able to offer digital proof of age for alcohol purchases.

Industry bodies welcomed the move while stressing the importance of a cost-effective rollout.

Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Introducing digital proof of age is a positive step for hospitality, providing greater flexibility and convenience for customers and businesses.

“The roll-out of the voluntary digital proof of age will provide an easier experience for customers, allowing them to verify their age securely from their phones.”

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