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

Image source, Getty Images By Chris Vallance Senior technology reporter Published 4 hours ago Alcohol buyers will be able to use a digital ID app on their phones to prove their age under new rules introduced on Tuesday.

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.

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.

The change means businesses will no longer be required to let people use physical ID, but the government contends most establishments would.

The plan will be technology-agnostic, meaning that the government is not setting out in detail how each app must work.