Digital ID for Alcohol Sales: What Hospitality Businesses Need to Know

As of 15 September 2026, approved digital ID can now be accepted as proof of age when selling alcohol in England and Wales. For hospitality businesses, this changes how age verification may be carried out. However, the responsibility to prevent underage sales remains unchanged.

Recent coverage in The Guardian highlighted a significant change for hospitality operators. Customers can now use approved digital identity apps to prove their age instead of physical documents. As adoption grows, more customers are likely to expect venues to accept digital ID.

While this offers greater convenience for customers and staff, hospitality venues such as pubs, bars, restaurants and licensed leisure venues remain responsible for ensuring alcohol is only sold to those legally entitled to purchase it.

Digital ID may change the format of age verification, but it does not change the importance of staff judgement, clear procedures and responsible alcohol retailing.

What Is Changing? 

From 15 September 2026, digital ID can now be accepted as proof of age when purchasing alcohol in England and Wales.

This provides an alternative to traditional physical documents such as:

• Driving licences
• PASS cards
• Passports

For hospitality businesses, the change may help streamline customer interactions while giving consumers more flexibility when proving their age.

Why This Matters for Hospitality Operators 

For most hospitality businesses, the introduction of digital ID does not require a complete overhaul of existing procedures. However, operators should review age verification policies, training materials and refusal log processes. This helps teams assess approved digital identification consistently.

Businesses operating pubs, restaurants, hotels and licensed venues should also consider how digital ID checks fit within existing Challenge 25 procedures. Clear guidance helps ensure consistency across shifts and locations while reducing the risk of underage sales.

Digital ID Doesn’t Replace Good Practice 

While the format of age verification may be changing, the responsibility for preventing underage sales remains exactly the same.

Staff should continue to:

• Follow existing age verification policies
• Check identification carefully
• Challenge customers when appropriate
• Refuse sales where there is uncertainty
• Seek support from managers if concerns arise

The introduction of digital ID for alcohol sales should be viewed as an additional tool, not a replacement for good judgement.

Why Staff Training Matters 

Introducing new forms of identification means teams need to understand what they are looking at and how to apply existing policies consistently.

Consider covering:

• What forms of digital ID are accepted
• How to verify information correctly
• Challenge 25 procedures
• What to do when identification appears suspicious
• Escalation routes for uncertain situations

Consistent training helps teams approach age verification in the same way. This supports consistency across venues, shifts and experience levels.

Don’t Forget the Refusal Log 

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate responsible alcohol sales is through accurate record keeping. This can easily be achieved through RiskProof™.

A refusal log helps businesses:

• Record refused alcohol sales
• Identify repeat issues
• Highlight training needs
• Evidence due diligence
• Support licensing objectives

Whether a refusal relates to a physical ID or a digital ID check, recording the incident remains good practice. In addition, consistent records can highlight recurring issues and training gaps.

For larger hospitality groups, digital record keeping can improve visibility across multiple sites. RiskProof‘s monitoring module allows organisations to track daily refusals and age verification checks through customised forms.

Teams can also log incidents if a refusal escalates into a broader management issue or requires formal reporting. This helps operators identify trends, demonstrate due diligence and support continuous improvement across their estate.

Consistency Across Every Shift 

The biggest challenge with any procedural change is ensuring consistency across teams.

Managers should make sure:

• Procedures are clearly documented
• Staff understand expectations
• Refusal logs are maintained
• New starters receive training
• Policies are reviewed regularly

Consistency helps protect the business while giving staff confidence when handling difficult situations.

Technology Supports People, Not Replaces Them

While digital ID may simplify age verification, the strongest defence against underage sales remains a combination of well-trained teams, clear procedures and accurate record keeping.

Technology can support responsible alcohol sales, but it cannot replace staff judgement. Operators should combine effective training with robust data-driven processes. That way, teams can adopt new approaches confidently while continuing to protect their customers, colleagues and licences.

Conclusion 

Digital ID for alcohol sales represents a significant development for hospitality businesses, but the principles of responsible retailing remain unchanged.

By ensuring teams are trained, procedures are clear and refusal logs are maintained consistently, operators can adapt confidently while continuing to support responsible alcohol sales, meet licensing obligations and protect their business.

Find out about more about Shield Safety’s training services here.

FAQs 

Can hospitality businesses now accept digital ID for alcohol sales? 

Yes. Approved forms of digital ID can now be accepted as proof of age for alcohol sales in England and Wales. 

Does digital ID replace Challenge 25? 

No. Existing age verification policies, including Challenge 25, should continue to be followed. 

Which digital IDs can be used for alcohol sales?

Approved digital IDs must meet the requirements set out in the relevant legislation and accreditation framework. Hospitality businesses should review current government guidance and update internal policies to clarify which forms of digital identification staff can accept.

Should staff receive training on digital ID? 

Yes. Teams should understand what forms of digital ID are accepted and how to verify them correctly. 

Why is a refusal log important? 

Refusal logs help businesses demonstrate responsible alcohol sales, identify patterns and provide evidence of due diligence. 

Should refusals involving digital ID be recorded? 

Yes. Any refused alcohol sale should be recorded in line with business procedures, regardless of whether physical or digital ID was presented. 

What should staff do if they aren’t confident a digital ID is genuine? 

If there is any doubt, the sale should be refused in line with existing age verification procedures and the incident should be logged appropriately. 

About the Author 

Rob Easton BSc, PgDip, MSc, MBA, CEnvH, FCIEH is Shield Safety’s Strategic Risk and Safety Director. 

Rob supports current and prospective clients to understand risk within their organisations and develop proportionate solutions that drive safety forward while helping deliver great customer experiences. 

A passionate advocate for environmental health, Rob sits on the CIEH National Food Safety Advisory Panel and the Environmental Services Committee. He regularly lectures on university courses, sharing his knowledge of environmental health, voluntary third-party assurance schemes, the role of private sector Environmental Health Practitioners, employability and careers within the profession. 

Rob is currently studying for an MSc in Psychology and Behaviour Change, which will become his third master’s qualification.