Digital IDs to be used to buy alcohol from this autumn

The government has taken steps to change the law so digital IDs can be used as proof of age when purchasing alcohol.

The government today laid the statutory instrument to amend licensing laws to permit the use of certified and registered digital verification services (DVS) for the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales.

At present, customers challenged on their age must produce physical documents bearing a photograph, date of birth and security features to verify they are old enough to buy alcohol.

“With the increasing adoption of secure digital technologies, the government recognises the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology,” said minister of state for policing and crime Sarah Jones today.

Subject to parliamentary procedure, this will mean people can use digital ID for booze buying from autumn this year.

Those who prefer to prove their age using physical documents will still be able to do so.

Certified and registered digital verification services – among them the free Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps – allow individuals to choose from a range of identity evidence when setting up a digital proof of age, including physical documents, information held by public authorities, and digital credentials issued by the government, like the upcoming digital driving licence.

Over eight million people in the UK have downloaded one of the digital ID apps and thousands of individuals download Yoti and EasyID each day.

“The acceptance of digital IDs for alcohol sales is a major milestone for the UK,” said Robin Tombs, CEO of Yoti. “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.”

Equally, Tombs added, the technology “will empower businesses to confidently accept digital IDs, ensuring compliance while improving the customer experience”.

The use of digital age verification technology to approve sales of alcohol has been some time coming, with Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi and Co-op taking part in Home Office trials back in 2022.