The Government’s proposals, if approved by Parliament, will allow premises to accept certified digital verification services as proof of age for alcohol sales.
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The change will not be mandatory and will sit alongside existing forms of ID, including passports, driving licences and physical PASS cards.
A spokesperson for the PASS Scheme told The Morning Advertiser (MA) that the announcement was “a significant milestone” for dPASS and the wider adoption of trusted digital proof of age.
They said: “Importantly, for PASS, it builds on the success of the scheme, which has been the recognised national proof of age standard for over 20 years.
“The announcement does not replace the trusted physical PASS card. Instead, it creates the opportunity for dPASS to complement the existing PASS Scheme by enabling digital proof of age to be used for alcohol sales once the legislation is in force.”
Operator confidence
PASS said customers would present dPASS on their smartphone, where it would be confirmed through a secure validation process.
The spokesperson said dPASS would give pubs, clubs, bars and other licensed premises reassurance to accept digital proof of age while maintaining security and trust.
They added: “Importantly, licensed premises will continue to be able to accept physical PASS cards, giving customers the choice of using either a physical PASS card or dPASS.”
Yoti chief executive Robin Tombs told the MA the acceptance of digital IDs for alcohol sales would “transform how people prove their age at licensed premises”.
He said: “For pubs, bars, retailers, festivals and other licensed venues, this change is as much about day-to-day operations as it is about reliable age checks.
“Checking age is becoming more difficult, with fake identity documents more convincing than they used to be. Technology has made it easier to alter or create them, making visual checks less reliable on their own.”
Tombs said certified digital IDs used information that had already been verified before being issued, which could give operators greater confidence when checking age.
Staff training
Both PASS and Yoti said staff training would be important before venues adopt digital age verification.
PASS said training would be needed to ensure staff understand the validation process and can confidently accept both physical PASS cards and dPASS.
Yoti said businesses should update age verification policies and provide basic training so checks are carried out consistently.
He added digital ID could also speed up service, reduce queues and improve privacy by allowing customers to prove they are over 18 without sharing additional personal details.
The Government has said the changes are expected to come into force in autumn 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
The development follows mixed reaction from the trade, with some operators welcoming the potential benefits while others have raised concerns around cost, complexity and implementation.
