Last week, the Government revealed proposals to introduce a digital ID scheme to help combat illegal working while making it easier for the vast majority of people to use vital Government services.
Digital ID will be mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the Parliament, it confirmed.
This latest ID scheme roll-out, which will be held on people’s phones, aims to make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records.
The Government said this would include name, date of birth, resident status and photo.
It follows Home Office plans, revealed in December 2014, that confirmed digital IDs would enable customers to purchase alcohol.
It is currently unclear how these two schemes will link in together.
Lack of clarity
Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill raised serious concerns about the implementation.
“While aimed at tackling illegal employment, the lack of clarity on how the system will operate across society leaves the sector facing uncertainty and potential disruption.
“Pubs, clubs, and live music venues already work on tight margins. Additional burdens, such as staff training and process changes, could bring significant costs, while questions around data security, system fraud, and practical implementation remain unresolved.
There is also strong consumer pushback, recalling frustrations from the poorly implemented Covid passport system,” he said.
Kill added if digital ID cards were introduced, the industry must have a seat at the table to ensure the system is practical, secure, and protects the businesses that drive Britain’s night-time economy.
Meanwhile, owner of the Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Suffolk, Brendan Padfield, said as the content and eligibility of ID cards has yet to be determined, the “devil would in the detail.”
As far back as 2004, the Labour party has backed the idea of ID cards. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair gave his personal backing to the move, which was later binned as a policy as it was revealed to be too expensive to implement.
Despite some concerns, the latest update was welcomed by some operators, including Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns owner Tim Bird.
Age verification
Bird said: “I have believed for many years that everyone should have a photographic ID card linked to their NI Number.
“It would make life much easier for everyone and could be uploaded to a wallet for ease. The technology is there and people with driving licenses and Passports can easily have details transferred without laborious form filling etc.”
Licensee of The Tollemache Arms in Harrington, Joe Buckley, agreed: “The introduction of Government ID cards could certainly be a positive development for the sector. Anything that provides a more consistent and reliable form of identification would be welcome, especially if it helps reduce the number of fake IDs and makes age verification simpler for venues.
He added: “A single, secure form of ID could streamline processes for both staff and customers, saving time and helping ensure compliance. Of course, as with any new system, it will be important to see how it integrates with existing proof-of-age schemes, but overall, it’s an encouraging step toward greater clarity and consistency.”
