Christmas celebrations are set to get a digital upgrade next
year, as the UK government plans to roll out a new law allowing
pub and bar-goers, as well as shoppers, to use their phones to
prove their age when buying alcohol, should they wish to do so.
People can continue to use physical forms of ID if they prefer.
Digital identities could slash waiting times at bars and help
avoid hold-ups at automated tills, allowing landlords to serve
thirsty customers more quickly and easing frustrations for high
street shoppers, with digital IDs set to drive economic growth
that will ultimately put more money in people's pockets as part
of our Plan for Change.
The legal changes will also mean that, by the time festive cheer
fills the air again, carrying a bulky wallet to your favourite
high street pub or risking losing valuable documents could be a
thing of Christmas past. It also means that women will be safer
on nights out, as they won't have to show their driving license
which risks revealing their address to bad actors.
Under the new system, people will be able to present secure
digital identities as proof of age when buying alcohol, if they
choose to. These digital identities, already provided by a host
of companies, will have to be independently certified against
government standards.
New insight, published today, reveals that companies providing
these services generated £2.05 billion in 2023/2024, and employed
over 10,000 people – half of which were outside
London.
Productivity in the sector is also 42% higher than average levels
across the economy, with each employee generating almost £80,000
of “gross value added” to the UK economy - with further support,
such as these legal changes, expected to bolster this
further.
Existing measures proposed in the Data (Use and Access) Bill will
support the sector to boost the UK economy by £4.3 billion over
the next decade.
Technology Secretary said:
This change benefits both consumers and businesses spurring the
economic growth we need to put more money in the pockets of
working people as part of our Plan for Change.
By next Christmas, you won't need to carry a wallet or risk
losing important documents like your passport or driver's license
when heading out to celebrate.
With a certified digital identity on your phone, you can raise a
glass in your local pub without hassle – a merry step forward in
making age verification safer, easier, and more convenient for
everyone.
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, said:
Digital ID can
make life easier for both consumers and businesses, and we're
pleased to be supporting its introduction.
There are fewer things more frustrating than realising you've
forgotten your ID when heading to a pub, bar or
restaurant, and hopefully these new measures will make that a
thing of the past. I look forward to working with the government
on its smooth implementation, which minimises additional costs
for businesses.
James Hawkins, from the British Beer and Pub Association
(BPPA)
said:
This welcome change brings the Licensing Act in line with current
technology and will make a visit to the pub easier for both
customers and staff.
This additional way of carrying ID could be more convenient and
reduce the risk of customers losing key ID documents when enjoying a
night out.
If they want to use it, landlords and retailers will be able to
scan digital identities to verify a customer's age without
customers unnecessarily disclosing personal information like
their name or address, as is often the case with driver's
licenses.
When a digital identity is presented in person, a quick
programmatic check - like scanning a QR code or using NFC, the technology behind
contactless bank cards which people use every day - will ensure
everything is seamless and hassle-free.
Landlords will be able to choose from a host of digital
verification service providers to help them check ages securely
and quickly, with over 50 such companies already independently
certified against the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust
Framework.
A recent consultation revealed support for updating the Licensing
Act 2003 to allow digital identities to be used for alcohol
sales. Respondents also endorsed the idea that providers of
digital identity services should meet stringent
government-approved standards under the
framework.
To ensure stronger oversight, the Data (Use and Access) Bill,
introduced in Parliament this year, seeks to place the framework
on a statutory footing. Once passed, the Bill will pave the way
for certified digital identities to be added to the list of
accepted age verification methods, alongside traditional forms
like passports and driver's licenses.
By the time Britain is enjoying a festive tipple next year,
landlords and retailers will have access to a public register on
GOV.UK listing certified digital identity services.
These digital identity services will offer a secure and
convenient way to verify age for alcohol purchases, ensuring that
celebrations can be merry, bright, and free from outdated
processes.
Notes to editors
