Digital ID alcohol law clears Parliament as draft Order approved in both Houses

A major legal shift allowing bars, supermarkets, and restaurants to formally accept digital proof of age has cleared its final parliamentary hurdles. The draft Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026 was officially approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords on 8 September 2026, paving the way for the law to come into force across England and Wales.

 

The statutory instrument, which was originally laid before Parliament on 30 June 2026, removes legacy legal barriers that restricted age verification to physical documents such as passports and driving licences. Once signed by the Secretary of State, licensed venues will be legally permitted to accept certified digital IDs.

 

The legislation required affirmative approval from both chambers of Parliament before it could be signed into law. Following a detailed review in the Grand Committee on 2 September 2026, the motion for approval was formally moved in the main chamber of the House of Lords by Lord Hanson of Flint on 8 September 2026, where the motion was agreed. The draft order was subsequently approved in the House of Commons during the evening session on 8 September 2026. The motion was put forward by Sarah Coombes and agreed to by MPs at 6:56 pm, following a preparatory General Committee debate held the previous day.

 

The amendment marks a significant step forward in aligning hospitality laws with modern technology, operating alongside the data verification frameworks established by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

 

To satisfy the new mandatory licensing conditions, consumers will not be able to use simple screenshots or unverified phone apps. Instead, digital proofs of age must be issued by a provider registered under the UK digital verification services trust framework. This ensures that digital age checks maintain the same strict security standards against underage sales as physical identity documents.

 

The Order is scheduled to take effect on the day immediately following the date on which it is officially signed and made by the minister.