Digital ID can be accepted as proof of age for alcohol under new rules
The UK Licensing Act has been amended so that digital ID can be used as proof of age for alcohol sales in England and Wales. The change, effective from Tuesday, allows customers to verify their age via third‑party apps such as Yoti, using a short‑lived QR code or face scan. Businesses can continue…
On Tuesday, a new amendment to the Licensing Act went into force, giving licensed premises in England and Wales the legal ability to accept a digital proof of age for alcohol sales. The change means that a customer can now use a mobile phone app to confirm they are over 18, rather than handing over a physical passport, driving licence or other ID. The move is part of a broader push by the government to modernise age verification and reduce the amount of personal data that people need to share when buying age‑restricted goods.
How the digital ID system works
Customers will use a third‑party app – the most prominent example is Yoti – to authenticate their identity. The process typically involves a quick facial scan or the entry of a code that the app generates. Once the app confirms the user’s identity, it produces a short‑lived token, usually a QR code, that is valid for around 30 seconds. The bartender or shop assistant scans the code at the point of sale. In some cases, the customer may also be asked to enter a PIN, after which a photo is sent to the terminal for the staff to compare with the person presenting the phone.
Because the token is only valid for a short window, it is difficult for someone to use another person’s digital ID. The government has also asked developers to make the systems interoperable so that a single app can be used across different retailers, rather than forcing customers to download separate apps for each venue.
Scope and rollout
The new rules apply to all licensed premises in England and Wales – pubs, bars, restaurants, music venues, festivals and even retail shops that sell alcohol. The change is voluntary for businesses; they are not legally required to stop accepting physical ID, and the law recognises that some customers may still prefer or need a paper document. However, the government does not expect premises to abandon physical ID entirely, as doing so could exclude customers who do not have a digital proof of age.
It is not yet clear what the cost to businesses will be. Early indications suggest that the technology could be integrated into existing tablets or point‑of‑sale systems, which would minimise the need for new hardware. The government has emphasised that the rollout will be gradual, and that it may take some time for the technology to be widely adopted by both customers and venues.
Broader ambitions for digital age verification
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government has announced that the digital proof of age scheme will eventually extend beyond alcohol. Tobacco and vaping products are next on the agenda, with the aim of creating a single, secure digital method for proving age across a range of age‑restricted goods. This follows the cancellation of a wider national digital ID programme that had been planned under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Industry reaction
Allen Simpson, chief executive of the hospitality trade group UKHospitality, welcomed the change. He said the scheme would offer greater flexibility and convenience for both customers and businesses, and that the industry would work with the government to ensure that multiple supplier options are available and that the rollout remains cost‑efficient.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock highlighted that the new law would allow people to prove their age without handing over sensitive personal details such as name or address. She emphasised that the change would make night‑life safer and more inclusive.
What comes next
Businesses will need to decide whether to adopt the new technology and, if so, which provider to use. The government is encouraging developers to create interoperable solutions, but it remains to be seen which apps will dominate the market. Meanwhile, the government will monitor the rollout and gather feedback from both venues and customers to refine the process.
In the longer term, the success of digital ID for alcohol could set a precedent for other age‑restricted sales, potentially leading to a nationwide digital age verification system that reduces the need for physical ID across multiple sectors.
Why it matters
By allowing digital ID for alcohol purchases, the UK reduces the need for people to carry and expose personal documents, improving convenience and privacy while maintaining compliance with age‑restriction laws.
Key points
- Digital ID can now be used as legal proof of age for alcohol in England and Wales
- The system uses short‑lived QR codes or facial scans to authenticate customers
- Physical ID remains an option; businesses are not forced to stop accepting it
- The government plans to extend digital age checks to tobacco and vaping products
- The rollout is voluntary and may take time to be widely adopted
- Multiple third‑party apps, such as Yoti, will provide the digital proof
- Industry groups support the change as a convenience for customers and venues
Frequently asked questions
What apps can I use for digital age verification?
Yoti is the most widely mentioned provider, but the government expects several third‑party apps to be available and interoperable.
Will I still need a physical ID?
No, but you can still use a passport or driving licence if you prefer – the law gives digital proof the same legal standing.
How long will the QR code be valid?
The token is typically valid for about 30 seconds to prevent misuse.
Will this affect my privacy?
The system is designed to avoid sharing personal details like name or address; only a short‑lived token is transmitted.
