Physical identification will no longer be asked for over the counter for alcohol purchases as the Home Office amends licencing laws to implement digital ID in England and Wales.
Lawmakers will permit the use of digital IDs which can reliably confirm users’ age.
Digital ID currently has no scope under the Mandatory Licencing Conditions of the Licensing Act 20o3, as proof of age should incorporate a physical security feature such as a hologram or ultraviolet mark. Now, digital verification service providers will be certified against the UK DVS trust framework under the statutory DVS register on GOV.UK.
The registered DVS providers must confirm whether or not the customer meets the age verification threshold.
Licensed premises have the choice to implement the requirements and customers will be able to refuse it.
Certified and registered digital verification services allow individuals to choose from a range of identity evidence when setting up a digital proof of age, including physical documents, information held by public authorities and digital credentials issued by the government, like the upcoming digital driving licence.
One of the main use cases the Home Office is concerned with is fair checks to purchasing alcohol. 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”, said Sarah Jones, The Minister of State for Policing and Crime.
“The Government recognises the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology”.
ACS, a voice for local stores, welcomed progress on digital age verification with more providers offering retailers the solutions to take responsibility for the number of underage sales, increasing theft and identity fraud.
ACS has been working with industry stakeholders and Government to ensure that digital ID infrastructure is workable for retailers, and has produced dedicated guidance to support local shops with the acceptance of age restricted sales.
Identity Week Europe is focused on uniting the continent’s identity, inclusion, and privacy goals. Identity Week Europe is proud to feature voices from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Government Digital Service, and the Office for Digital Identity and Attributes from the UK Government as the UK launches digital identities.
