UK government proposes digital ID for alcohol sales
If passed, the change in UK legislation would permit the use of digital ID when purchasing alcohol in the country for the first time.
The UK government took steps to amend the Licensing Act 2003 on Tuesday 30 June.
Speaking in the House of Commons Sarah Jones, the minister of state for policing and crime, said: “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.”
The proposed amendment to the mandatory licensing conditions will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny, but is intended to come into effect in autumn 2026.
Trials of digital ID technology in UK retailers began in 2022. A 2024 Home Office consultation on the potential use of digital age verification for alcohol purchases found 72% of respondents from local licencing authorities in favour of the move.
ID apps for smartphones can already be used for age verification when buying restricted products such as energy drinks, tobacco and medicines, providing they are approved by the UK Digital Verification Service.
Julian Howison, CEO of digital ID company Totum, said: “Earlier this year, research conducted across 2,000 respondents in our database across students, apprentices and professionals found that only a third carry ID with them daily (31%) despite being ID’d weekly on items (30%), presenting the real inconvenience traditional ID formats have.
“This step to modernise ID is a significant movement for hospitality venues, retailers and consumers and will allow venues to conduct entitlement and age verification checks more quickly and securely, helping to improve security and experience.”
Many of the apps currently eligible are published by London-based technology firm Yoti. These include Post Office Easy ID and Yoti Digital ID as well as the firm’s ID Checker, designed for use by staff at licensed premises.
Robin Tombs, CEO of Yoti, said: “The acceptance of digital IDs for alcohol sales is a major milestone for the UK. This will transform how people prove their age at licensed premises including supermarkets, convenience stores, bars, pubs and nightclubs.
“We’ve been working towards this for years. When we started Yoti in 2014, young adults told us they wanted to use our app at the supermarket and on nights out. We’re excited this will soon become a reality.”
Though Yoti has reported more than 20 million downloads of its apps around the world, the company has been the subject of controversy.
It is currently facing a fine of €950,000 (US$1.1 million) from the Spanish government for allegedly breaching EU general data protection laws. Yoti has denied any wrongdoing and is currently appealing the ruling in the Spanish High Court.
Digital ID can already be used when purchasing alcohol in Australia, Estonia and several US states.
Related news
Ukiyo showcases Japanese gin at Changi
