The Government has today taken another significant step towards the wider adoption of digital identity by announcing that digital proof of age will soon be accepted for the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales.
In a written statement to Parliament, Policing Minister Sarah Jones said that digital ID will provide "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.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, the changes are expected to come into effect in Autumn 2026. The updated legislation will allow licensed premises to accept digital proof of age through certified and registered Digital Verification Services (DVS), while traditional physical ID documents will continue to be accepted.
This is another important milestone in the Government's digital identity programme and signals the continued move towards digital credentials in everyday transactions.
For our clients working with age-restricted products, we know this change will bring new processes, operational challenges and training requirements. As with any regulatory change, ensuring colleagues understand when and how to accept digital proof of age will be key to maintaining compliance and delivering a positive customer experience.
At Serve Legal, we're already helping businesses prepare for the future of age verification. If you'd like to discuss what these changes could mean for your business, or how we can support your teams through the transition, we'd be delighted to help. Please get in touch with the Serve Legal team.