On Tuesday new rules took effect in England and Wales. Pubs, bars, restaurants, music venues and shops may accept digital proof of age when selling alcohol. Customers can present an app on their phone. Businesses and customers remain free to reject the option, and the government expects adoption to take time.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham cancelled the national Digital ID program in July, two months before these alcohol rules began. Keir Starmer's government had announced the program as a government-backed digital credential with mandatory digital right-to-work checks planned for a later stage. Burnham's government said the allocated money and resources would be redirected.

The wider identity infrastructure remains active. GOV.UK One Login, GOV.UK Wallet and the private-sector Digital Verification Services framework will continue. The DVS framework predates Starmer's national Digital ID plan. The government is also keeping its digital driving license project, while GOV.UK Wallet and the digital driving license remain separate from the age-proof services available today. The wallet is expected to offer another route for proving age in future.

Alcohol checks must use a DVS certified against the government's trust framework and listed on its statutory register. The service must provide at least a medium level of confidence, and providers must verify that the person holding the phone is the person associated with the ID. The government leaves the verification method largely to providers. A QR code scan or a tap against a compatible reader are possible formats, with the customer sharing confirmation of being over 18.

Yoti says its Yoti ID and Post Office EasyID apps can now serve as proof of age where businesses accept them. Luciditi says its ID verification service is being integrated with point-of-sale and Challenge 25 systems. Businesses must use a registered DVS. Staff cannot rely on a visual app check or a screenshot.

Facial age estimation and other age-assurance technologies are outside these rules. Digital proof can work at self-service checkouts, but retailers still need staff to handle intoxicated customers and adults attempting to buy alcohol for children.