UK gov to allow pubgoers to use digital ids next year to boost hospitality sectors
Under the new system, people will be able to present secure digital identities as proof of age when buying alcohol, if they choose to
From next year, the UK government is planning 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, in a bid to boost high street and hospitality sectors.
According to the government, digital identities could slash waiting times at bars and help avoid hold-ups at automated tills.
The digital identity sector generated £2bn in revenue in the UK last year and employed over 10,000 people – half of which were outside London.
It also stated that the new laws will give people a voluntary, safe and secure way to prove their age without carrying physical documents, and make sure digital identities meet strict government standards.
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, revealed that companies providing these services generated £2.05bn 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 £4.3bn over the next decade.
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.”
