First Delegated Legislation Committee

7 September 2026

Contents updated on 7 Sept 2026

The Chair opens proceedings and the Minister formally moves the draft Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026, explaining that it will permit the use of certified digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside existing physical ID. The Minister outlines the policy rationale, privacy and safety benefits, consultation results, safeguards under the Licensing Act objectives, and stresses that the measure is voluntary, not a national digital ID scheme, and does not remove physical identification options.

First Delegated Legislation Committee Mon, 7 Sept 2026 House of Commons

00:07 - 00:21

Speaker 1

Order, order. The draft Licensing Act 2003 Mandatory Licensing Conditions Amendment Order 2026. Call the Minister to move the motion.

00:21 - 02:34

Speaker 2

May I begin by thanking Paula Barker. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairpersonship. I beg to move that the committee has considered the draft Licensing Act 2003 Mandatory Licensing Conditions Amendment Order 2026, which was laid before the House on the 30th of June. This order makes an important change to the alcohol licensing framework in England and Wales. It will allow for licensed premises and club premises with a certificate to accept digital proof of age for alcohol sale and supply where that proof is provided through a digital verification service independently assessed against the UK DV S trust framework and listed on the statutory DV S register and the relevant licensing conditions are met.

For those fortunate enough still to be asked for ID, whether they regard that as flattering or frustrating, the measure offers an additional way to prove their age. Where a licensed premises or club premises with a certificate chooses to accept it, a person will be able to use properly verified digital proof of age rather than relying on a passport, driving license or other physical documents. At present, the mandatory licensing conditions require physical proof of age documents bearing a photograph, date of birth and either a holographic mark or ultraviolet feature. This remains a valid and important route for age verification. This order does not remove physical ID.

It does not require anyone to use digital proof of age, and it does not require licensed premises or club premises to accept digital proof of age. It simply gives consumers and premises another option. There are clear practical benefits. Many people do not want to routinely carry valuable documents such as a passport or a driving license on a night out, or they might forget to bring them. It is reported that 57% of 18 to 25 year olds have experienced forgetting their ID on a night out.

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