Pubs in England and Wales to allow digital ID apps to prove age

Pubs in England and Wales to allow digital ID apps to prove age. Photograph: Keith Morris/AlamyDigital ID comes of age as pubs and bars get go-ahead for biometric scan techNew laws coming into force this week aim to streamline age checks although old-style plastic IDs will still be allowedYounger drinkers in England and Wales will be able to prove their age with a digital ID starting this week as new laws give pubs, off-licences, nightclubs and restaurants the right to use biometric scanning technology to check customers are over 18.

What happened

Pubs and shops in England and Wales can use the tech in addition to current physical forms of ID – with the government saying a digital option will make age-checks quicker and more secure for customers and staff. Stephanie Peacock, the digital government minister, said: “This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age – allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out. ”The government believes the new system will reduce the effectiveness of fraudulent ID and the risk of sensitive data being exposed when customers are required to show bar staff passports or driving licences which display names and home addresses.

New rules introduced on Tuesday mean establishments will be able to accept digital ID apps alongside physical documents. Image source, Getty ImagesByChris VallanceSenior technology reporterPublished15 September 2026, 00:07 BSTAlcohol buyers will be able to use a digital ID app on their phones to prove their age under new rules introduced on Tuesday. Customers will be able to choose ID apps from a range of suppliers such as the Post Office, Yoti or Luciditi, provided they are on a government-approved list.

Access concernsThe government wants digital ID apps under its scheme to work together so customers do not need to use different apps in different venues. Jasleen Chaggar of Big Brother Watch said while having multiple ways to prove your identity was helpful, the Government should ensure that digital ID did not become effectively mandatory "as it would shut out millions of people".

The wider picture

The new rules come after a wider digital ID programme promoted by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer proved controversial, and was later abandoned by Andy Burnham. Image source, GettyImage caption, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said hospitality, accommodation and leisure venues would receive a 30% cut in some business rates from April 2027ByHuw ThomasWales business correspondentPublished14 September 2026Updated 8 hours agoTaxes paid by pubs, hotels and cinemas in Wales will fall after the Welsh government announced a 30% cut in some business rates.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pubs will be among the hospitality businesses in Wales to receive a permanent tax cut from AprilBusiness rates are collected by the Welsh government before being redistributed as direct funding to local authorities in Wales. In July, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England, also due to come into effect from April 2027. The UK government, which is responsible for VAT and National Insurance, said the Chancellor prioritised support for the hospitality sector by cutting business rates by 20% for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England during his first week in office.

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What has been reported

It argues that under the voluntary digital ID scheme, drinkers would share fewer personal details with a venue or shop – such as tapping their phone on a reader or displaying a scannable QR code rather than handing over an official document. The apps will also need to guard against customers borrowing devices from older friends and relatives, and ensure the ID app belongs to the person using it. Yoti's digital ID app, for example, will only let a user log in if a scan of their face matches that of the person who signed up for the app.

Digital government minister Stephanie Peacock said having the option for digital ID would "mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information" meaning people could "feel safer on a night out'". In future, the digital proof of age scheme could be extended to cover tobacco and vapes. But digital rights campaigners have said such measures could lead to the exclusion of some groups. "Many people have legitimate reasons for relying on physical ID, whether out of choice, privacy and security concerns, or because they lack the digital skills or means to use digital ID," she said.

"The Government should expressly prohibit businesses from requiring digital IDs for age checks without offering reasonable alternatives," she added.

What happens next

Digital ID plan to be scrapped in Burnham's first major policy pledgePublished19 JulyHow can you keep your child safe online? Skip to main contentSkip to navigation Plastic ID such as driving licences and passports will still be accepted at pubs and bars. Photograph: Keith Morris/AlamyView image in fullscreenPlastic ID such as driving licences and passports will still be accepted at pubs and bars. That system has not yet been approved for use. The use of digital ID for alcohol comes despite Andy Burnham axing plans for a national digital ID this summer amid a wave of concern about the implications for civil liberties.

View image in fullscreenYoti is one tech firm supplying digital ID systems. Photograph: YotiDifferent companies are supplying the apps – including Yoti and Luciditi.

The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across bbc.co.uk, theguardian.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.