New rules pave the way for businesses to adopt digital proof of age for alcohol sales

Licensed premises across England and Wales will now have the option to accept digital proof of age when selling alcohol.

Pubs, bars, restaurants, music venues and other licensed premises across England and Wales will have the choice to introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales under new rules coming into force today (Tuesday 15 September).

For customers, while it will take businesses time to widely adopt and accept digital proof-of-age, it will provide a convenient alternative to carrying physical ID. Whether buying a drink at their favourite pub, heading to a festival or enjoying a night out at a concert, customers won’t need to worry if they’ve left their ID at home - they can use their phone to prove their age. 

Instead of handing over ID containing personal information such as their name or home address, customers can simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over, helping to better protect their privacy and personal safety. 

For businesses, digital proof of age offers a way to verify a customer’s age with greater confidence than checking a physical document alone. Certified digital services check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it, which can help reduce the risk of fake or borrowed identification going undetected.