The scheme will allow adults to prove they are over 18 without using passports or driving licences, using digital ID apps instead.
Police and crime minister Sarah Jones announced on June 30 that the Government will update the Licensing Act 2003’s Mandatory Licensing Conditions to allow digital IDs issued via Government-approved Digital Verification Services (DVS).
The change is set to come into force later this year, in the autumn.
The Post Office, which runs the EasyID app, welcomed the news and confirmed that customers will soon be able to use the app to prove their age when buying alcohol.
Jason Sheehy, head of identity services at the Post Office, said: “For our postmasters and other retailers this change will provide a trusted and efficient way to verify age, helping to reduce queues, increase confidence in compliance and ease the pressure on our frontline staff.
“By using certified digital ID tools, postmasters can quickly confirm a customer’s age without handling or storing unnecessary personal data.
“For our customers, including millions already using Post Office EasyID & Yoti ID, it offers a convenient alternative to carrying physical documents, while giving them greater control over personal information.”
EasyID and its partner platform Yoti have already been downloaded by eight million people and are currently used to verify age for non-alcohol deliveries.
Both platforms already meet DVS requirements, and pending final legislative approval, will soon be valid for alcohol sales.
Robin Tombs, CEO of Yoti, said: “The acceptance of digital IDs for alcohol sales is a major milestone for the UK.
“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.”
He said this technology would give customers more privacy, allowing them to prove their age without disclosing unnecessary details.
Mr Tombs also said it would boost efficiency and compliance for businesses handling age-restricted sales.
Sarah Jones, police and crime minister, said: “Today I’m 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.”
She confirmed that physical forms of ID will remain valid.
Other digital ID schemes have faced public scrutiny.
Last year, the Government introduced digital ID as a requirement for Right to Work checks, but made the scheme voluntary following controversy.
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.
Digital IDs will only be valid for alcohol sales if they are issued by a DVS certified by the UK DVS trust framework and listed on the GOV.UK statutory DVS register, and meet certain conditions as specified in the Mandatory Licensing Conditions.
