Digital ID replace as Burnham’s authorities introduces new guidelines for purchasing alcohol
New digital ID rules for alcohol sales come into force today, offering an alternative to physical ID so punters can use their phones to prove their age at the pub
The changes come into force today(Image: DOMINIQUE JACOVIDES-POOL/SIPA/Shutterstock)
A new rule permitting digital ID as valid proof of age for purchasing alcohol in pubs and shops across England and Wales comes into force today (Tuesday, 15 September).
The amendments to the licensing act offer an alternative to carrying a physical ID, allowing punters to use their mobiles to verify their age at the pub, as well as at festivals and concerts. The digital ID will be accessible through third-party apps such as Yoti, which is already utilised by youngsters to purchase age-restricted cinema tickets.
The government aims to broaden the use of digital proof of age beyond alcohol sales in retail, with tobacco and vapes next on its agenda. The move follows Andy Burnham’s decision to scrap a broader digital ID programme that was planned under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Starmer’s ‘hated’ digital ID card has been scrapped(Image: Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)
While the cost of the project wasn’t confirmed at the time by Labour, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) later clarified that the original scheme could have amounted to £1.8bn over three years.
Speaking about the change to licensing law, Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “From pubs and restaurants to music venues and festivals, licensed businesses carry out millions of age checks every year. It will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt it, and physical ID will remain a valid way for customers to prove their age.”
She went on to say: “This groundbreaking 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.”
Those purchasing alcohol will need to undergo an authentication process to verify it is their ID each time they use it – for instance by scanning their face or entering a code on the app. This will then generate a token, such as a QR code, that remains valid for a window of around 30 seconds to guard against someone falsely using another person’s ID.
Burnham is fond of a pint(Image: Getty Images)
In some instances, the user might enter a pin to confirm their identity, with a photo then sent to a terminal that the bartender or person behind a till could use to compare to the person in front of them.
Several third-party apps are expected to be available. The Government has requested developers to make their systems interoperable so customers can have one ID app on their phone rather than being forced to download multiple apps to use at different retailers.
It is anticipated to be available to use offline in the same way contactless payments can be.
The Government has also clarified that it does not expect businesses to stop accepting physical IDs, as doing so would exclude some customers and there is no cost to continuing to accept them.
Allen Simpson, chief executive of industry group UKHospitality, stated: “Introducing digital proof of age is a positive step for hospitality, providing greater flexibility and convenience for customers and businesses.
“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,” she added. “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.”
