The changes mean customers will be able to use a digital ID on their phone to prove they are over 18 when buying alcohol.
Join our new WhatsApp channel: The Morning Round-Up
Get the biggest pub trade stories straight to your phone. Listen to our one-minute daily news briefing and receive breaking news, exclusives and sector updates throughout the day. Remember to turn notifications on in the top right corner! Join the channel here.
Businesses are not currently legally required to use digital ID in their venues, as physical forms of identification will continue to be valid.
The Government said the new rules would give businesses more choice over how they check customers’ ages and make it easier for people to prove they are over 18.
Commenting on the move, UKHospitality (UKH) chief executive Allen Simpson said: “Introducing digital proof of age is a positive step for hospitality, providing greater flexibility and convenience for customers and businesses.”
Easier experience
He added: “The roll-out of the voluntary digital proof of age will provide an easier experience for customers, allowing them to verify their age securely from their phones.
“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the roll-out of the scheme, with multiple supplier options available, is cost-efficient and not burdensome for the hospitality sector.”
The new rules update the licensing framework while maintaining the safeguards designed to prevent underage alcohol sales.
It follows a 2024 Government consultation, in which 72% of respondents supported the use of digital IDs for age verification when buying alcohol.
However, the introduction of digital ID previously received a mixed response from operators.
While some welcomed the prospect of a secure form of identification that could make age checks easier and reduce the use of fake IDs, others raised concerns around the cost of new technology, staff training, data security and how digital ID would work alongside existing proof-of-age schemes.
Ground-breaking change
Operators can face fines, temporary closure and a review of their premises licence if alcohol is sold to someone under 18, alongside the possibility of losing their licence to sell alcohol.
A due diligence defence can apply should a customer use a fake ID, if the operator can show they took all reasonable steps to prevent the sale.
This includes having clear age-verification procedures, properly training staff and refusing a sale where there is doubt.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock added: “From pubs and restaurants to music venues and festivals, licensed businesses carry out millions of age checks every year.
“This ground-breaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age - allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out.”
