Digital IDs will soon be able to be used as proof of age to purchase alcohol in England and Wales.
The government has laid the statutory instrument to amend licensing laws to permit their use, sparing customers having to bring physical documents to the pub or supermarket.
Under the new laws, establishments will be able to check a customer’s age using an app on their phone from autumn this year, subject to parliamentary procedure.
Those who prefer to prove their age using physical documents will still be able to do so.
Labour has said that the move comes following changes to consumer habits, with pub goers preferring to use their phone than their passport.
The new law will also allow customers to prove their age without revealing further personal information such as their address.
To prove their age, punters will have to use a certified government-backed app on their phone or tablet, such as the free Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps.
Over eight million people in the UK have downloaded one of the digital ID apps.
Home Office minister Sarah Jones said: “Today I am pleased to inform the House that those members of the public who are fortunate enough to look younger than their age, but are always having to carry their passport or driving licence to prove they are 18 or over to buy a pint in a pub, will soon no longer have this dilemma.
“In future, 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.”
She added: “With the increasing adoption of secure digital technologies, the government recognises the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology.”
