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England and Wales permit digital ID for alcohol age verification
New regulations in England and Wales now permit licensed premises, such as pubs, restaurants, and music venues, to accept digital proof of age for alcohol sales. This change to the licensing act allows customers to use mobile devices and third-party software to verify their age, offering an alternative to carrying physical identification.
Digital verification processes may include facial scanning or entering codes to generate temporary QR codes. This method aims to protect user privacy by confirming age without requiring the disclosure of sensitive personal details like full names or home addresses. The technology is intended to help businesses reduce the risk of fraudulent identification.
While the government expects it will take time for widespread adoption, officials have indicated that the next priority for digital age verification will be the sale of tobacco and vaping products. The use of digital ID remains optional for both businesses and consumers, and physical identification remains a valid method of proof.
Entities
England · Stephanie Peacock · Wales · Yoti
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government intends to extend digital age verification to tobacco and vaping products next. www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] New statutory updates to the licensing act allow digital proof of age for alcohol sales in England and Wales. businessnewswales.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Digital ID verification will be provided through certified third-party software providers. businessnewswales.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The adoption of digital ID remains optional for both individuals and businesses. businessnewswales.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Digital verification may involve scanning a face or entering a code to generate a temporary QR code. www.independent.co.uk