Stores could soon be able to accept digital age verification, rather than a physical ID, for alcohol sales, with a government consultation on the change due to close at the end of March. The consultation was launched to examine whether technology has a place in age-restricted sales of alcohol in retail and hospitality.
Last week, experts and suppliers met for a conference organised by Westminster, discussing the use of digital IDs, such as smartphone apps.
Trials underway
Jonathan McDonald, partner at law firm Osborne Clarke, confirmed the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, when it is eventually passed, will establish a basis to enable digital ID to be used by stores with the same confidence as physical documents.
However, Clarke revealed the legislation would face a review every 12 months after it becomes law, raising the prospect of further changes ahead.
Government-led trials are already underway in some Bestway-owned stores, where shoppers can use digital tools to confirm their age when purchasing restricted products, including alcohol.
Inevitable
Post Office has also expanded the use of digital identities across branches, after a tie-up with service provider Yoti.
Yoti chief executive Robin Tombs said it was “inevitable” this technology would become more popular, “as fraudsters become cleverer and people want to ensure their information is safe”.
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