New rules introduced on Tuesday mean pubs and other licensed premises in England and Wales can accept digital identity applications as a valid form of age verification alongside physical documents such as passports or driving licences.
The change applies to venues that are required to check customers’ ages before serving alcohol or allowing entry to age-restricted areas. Establishments will now be able to choose whether to permit a customer to present a recognised digital ID app in place of, or in addition to, traditional paper or card documents.
Supporters of the move say allowing digital IDs is intended to give businesses more flexibility and to reflect the increasing use of smartphone-based services. For customers, the option could make it easier to prove age without carrying physical documents.
The practical details of which digital ID apps are accepted and how they will be authenticated will be determined by operators and, where appropriate, by licensing authorities and industry guidance. Physical forms of identification remain an acceptable option for those who prefer them, and venues retain discretion over which types of ID they will accept.