New rules presented to parliament could allow supermarkets and pubs in England and Wales – including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and Waitrose to make change
Fresh regulations are being introduced across all UK supermarkets and pubs, with significant implications for anyone purchasing alcohol. In a statement delivered to the House of Commons yesterday, Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Policing and Crime, confirmed the new legislation will come into effect this autumn, applying to online purchases, pubs and supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and Waitrose.
Currently, customers whose age is queried must present physical documentation featuring a photograph, date of birth and security features to prove they are of legal age to purchase alcohol. Subject to parliamentary procedure, this change will allow people to use digital ID when buying alcohol from autumn this year.
Ms Jones said in a written statement: “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 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 (“the Order”) made under the Licensing Act 2003 (LA03). This change will permit the use of certified and registered Digital Verification Services (DVS) 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 recognises 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.”
She explained that the amendment will enable alcohol retailers and licensed premises to accept digital age verification, provided it is displayed via a DVS that holds certification against the UK DVS trust framework, features on the statutory DVS register on GOV.UK, and satisfies certain conditions as outlined in the Mandatory Licensing Conditions. Certified and registered digital verification services enable individuals to select from a range of identity evidence when establishing a digital proof of age, including physical documents, information held by public authorities and digital credentials issued by the government, such as the forthcoming digital driving licence.
When proving age for alcohol purchases, there will be no requirement to use a specific source of identity evidence if using a DVS, and physical forms of identification will continue to be accepted.
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 intends the Statutory Instrument to take effect in Autumn 2026. An Economic Note will be published on legislation.gov.uk alongside the instrument.
Approved and accredited digital verification services — including the free Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps — enable users to select from a variety of forms of identity evidence when establishing a digital proof of age. These include physical documents, information held by public bodies, and government-issued digital credentials, such as the forthcoming digital driving licence.
Robin Tombs, Chief Executive of Yoti, said: “The acceptance of digital IDs for alcohol sales is a major milestone for the UK,” said R. “This will transform how people prove their age at licensed premises including supermarkets, convenience stores, bars, pubs and nightclubs. We’ve been working towards this for years. When we started Yoti in 2014, young adults told us they wanted to use our app at the supermarket and on nights out. We’re excited this will soon become a reality.. The technology “.
The technology “will empower businesses to confidently accept digital IDs, ensuring compliance while improving the customer experience”.
