Digital proof of age information pack published for licensing and age-restricted sales stakeholders

A new information pack bringing together guidance on the use of digital proof of age for alcohol sales has been made available to help retailers, hospitality businesses and licensing practitioners navigate recent changes to mandatory licensing conditions.

The resource has been developed by the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes within the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in partnership with the Home Office, following ongoing engagement with stakeholders on the introduction of digital age verification in licensed premises.

Designed as a single reference source, the pack consolidates information that has already been communicated through Government guidance, stakeholder engagement sessions and related communications. It addresses a number of the most frequently asked questions raised by retailers and hospitality operators since the legislation came into force.

Importantly, the document does not introduce any new policy requirements or statutory guidance. Instead, it provides a convenient point of reference, bringing together existing information and directing users to the relevant legislation and official guidance on digital proof of age for alcohol sales.

While the pack focuses specifically on alcohol licensing and age verification for alcohol purchases, the Government says it is pursuing a wider objective of enabling digital proof of age systems that are trusted, inclusive, interoperable and consistent across different categories of age-restricted products. Greater consistency across sectors is intended to simplify adoption for businesses while providing a clearer and more predictable experience for consumers.

The publication also highlights ongoing work between Government departments on age verification arrangements for tobacco and vape products. Following regulations laid before Parliament in September, the Department of Health and Social Care is working with officials to ensure that, where appropriate, verification requirements align with the approach being adopted for alcohol sales. Further information is expected as that work progresses.

Institute of Licensing members can access the information pack and related resources through the IoL Membership Portal.

The publication is intended to support businesses, licensing authorities and enforcement agencies in understanding and implementing the revised arrangements for digital age verification, while providing a clear route to the underlying legislation and statutory guidance.