Digital Proof of Age: Alcohol Sales

Today I am pleased to inform the House that those members of the public who are fortunate enough to look younger than their age, but are always having to carry their passport or driving licence to prove that they are 18 or over to buy a pint in a pub, will soon no longer have this dilemma. In future, digital ID will be a quick and secure way to prove age without revealing any additional personal details to bar staff, and will mean that passports can be left safely at home by those who choose this option.

I am therefore laying a statutory instrument to deliver on our commitment to update the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010 made under the Licensing Act 2003. This change will permit the use of certified and registered digital verification services for the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales, where certain conditions are met.

Currently, the order requires physical documents bearing a photograph, date of birth and security features to verify age. However, with the increasing adoption of secure digital technologies, the Government recognise the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology. Those who prefer to prove their age using physical documents can still do so.

This change will allow alcohol retailers and clubs to accept digital proof of age, provided it is presented from a DVS that is certified against the UK DVS trust framework, appears on the statutory DVS register on www.gov.uk'>www.gov.uk, and meets certain conditions as specified in the mandatory licensing conditions. Certified and registered digital verification services 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. To prove age when purchasing alcohol, there will not be any requirement to use a specific source of identity evidence if using a DVS, and physical forms of identification will still be accepted.

The updated mandatory condition will:

Permit the use of registered DVS for age verification in alcohol sales and supply where specific conditions are met.

Help to ensure that those DVS meet strict standards for security, privacy, and reliability, as set out in the trust framework.

Maintain the core licensing objectives, including the protection of children from harm, by ensuring that digital age checks are as robust as checks using physical documents.

Subject to Parliamentary procedure, the Government intend the statutory instrument to come into effect in autumn 2026. An Economic Note will be published on legislation www.gov.uk alongside the instrument.

[HCWS160]