Customers will be able to use a digital ID to purchase alcohol under new government rules from Tuesday (September 15).
Digital proof of age will be accepted at pubs, shops, festivals, and concerts as part of an update to the Licensing Act in England and Wales, giving people the option to leave physical IDs at home.
The government expects it will take time for businesses to adopt the technology, but has signalled plans to extend its use to other age-restricted products such as tobacco and vapes.
Digital IDs will remove the need to share "sensitive personal information" on nights out
Stephanie Peacock, digital government minister, said: "From pubs and restaurants to music venues and festivals, licensed businesses carry out millions of age checks every year.
"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.
"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."
Digital IDs will be issued through third-party apps like Yoti, already in use for age-restricted cinema tickets.
Each time a customer buys alcohol, they will need to authenticate their identity—such as by scanning their face or entering a code—to generate a short-lived QR code or token.
This code, valid for around 30 seconds, can be scanned by a member of staff to confirm proof of age.
Some apps may require users to enter a PIN and send a photo to a terminal for comparison with the customer.
Several digital ID apps are expected to enter the market, and the government has requested that systems be interoperable, allowing users to choose a single app for all participating retailers.
The technology is expected to work offline, similar to contactless payments.
Businesses are not legally required to continue accepting physical ID, as digital and physical forms are now treated equally under the law.
However, the government does not anticipate that businesses will stop accepting physical ID, as it would exclude some customers and there is no cost involved in continuing to accept it.
The scheme has been welcomed by the hospitality industry.
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.
"We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the roll-out of the scheme, with multiple supplier options available, is cost-efficient and not burdensome for the hospitality sector."
It is not yet clear what the cost to businesses will be, but it is thought that it will be possible to integrate the technology into tablets they already own.
The changes come after Prime Minister Andy Burnham scrapped a broader digital ID programme planned by his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
Do you agree with digital IDs being used for buying alcohol? Let us know in the comments.
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