What are the new rules around Digital ID for pubs and nightclubs?
The digital ID scheme by the government has been cancelled… or has it?
Nightclubs, pubs and bars will now be permitted to accept digital ID as a form of age verification for the purpose of venue entry and purchasing drinks. Only certified applications should be accepted, and physical IDs will remain as the main form of identification.
This change is a long way away from the previously proposed digital ID cards under Sir Kier Starmer’s premiership. This programme was scrapped in July due to concerns around privacy, unfairness, civil liberties and mass surveillance.
This new digital ID for drinkers may also extend to vapes and cigarettes soon. The change will benefit those who do not wish to hand over sensitive information such as name or address. For pubs and bars, digital ID will reduce the effectiveness of fraudulent ID, and improve speed of verification for over the bar identification.
Venues will require a formal commercial agreement with a provider on the government’s official Digital Verification Services register in order to begin accepting digital IDs.
When will businesses be permitted to accept Digital ID?
From Tuesday 15th September, businesses are immediately able to accept digital ID. The changes to The Licensing Act were announced by No.10 and the Prime Minister’s social media profiles last week, with the intention to make night-outs safer, easier and more accessible.
There is no date for venues to have to change their processes – that is because it is not a requirement for businesses to accept digital IDs. Digital IDs are intended as an additional solution, but not to replace physical IDs. Physical IDs are still the preferred legal option; however venues are now allowed to confirm age verification via certified digital apps.
There are many reasons why a consumer may wish to continue utilising their physical ID, and businesses should not reject customers on the grounds that the venue has now adopted new processes. Instead new training around digital IDs should be conducted for nightlife staff members – contact NDML for more details on training and guidance.
What types of venues can now accept digital ID?
The list of venues able to accept digital ID include licensed premises, such as:
- Pubs
- Music venues
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Shops
- Restaurants
What apps are certified to be used as a form of Digital ID?
Certain apps are available to display valid identification. Digital ID apps must meet government frameworks and be accredited under the Proof of Age Standards Scheme. Recommended apps include:
- Post Office EasyID
- Yoti CitizenCard
- Yoti ID
- Lloyds Bank Smart ID
- Luciditi
The standards these apps have passed involve privacy, security and a decentralised design. There is no way for providers to track behaviours. They are also able to work when no data or Wi-Fi is available.
An image, picture or screenshot of a physical ID should not be accepted as a valid form of ID.
What are the benefits of introducing digital ID to your venue?
The benefits of adapting to digital ID include:
- Likely to increase the customer count of those under 21 years old.
- Serve drinks faster with increased efficiency over age verification.
- Improve security and privacy by not having individuals show passports or driver’s licenses over the bar.
- Reduce fraud or the likelihood of fake IDs.
What are the licensing and insurance considerations nightclubs and pubs much consider before implementing digital ID?
Correct age verification procedures are imperative for nightlife venues. If a disturbance or anti-social behaviour occurs at your venue, and the drunk or disorderly individual is found to be underage, an investigation could be started around the suitability of your identification processes. Furthermore if an attack or assault occurs and is reported to the police, and the victim or perpetrator is found to be underage while on your business premises, this may cause issues with your license. Unfortunately at NDML, we have had to provide guidance to venues where similar instances have occurred, causing major financial disruption. So before changing any procedures concerning age verification, we recommend businesses fully understand the risk, orchestrate strict training, and test the viability of digital IDs before implementation.
All staff should be properly trained in how to verify digital ID. They will need to know how to use a handheld POS, they should know what apps are certified, to be wary of images or screenshots, and be ready to ask for physical IDs if they have concerns about the digital ID presented.
Many venues utilise a security contracting company who provide security personnel. Venue owners should begin a conversation with their security contractor on the introduction of digital ID, and whether they plan to change their processes. At NDML, we advise venues listen to the guidance of the security contractor, learning if they are comfortable accepting digital ID, and also train their bar staff in identifying digital ID as a cautionary measure.
How to adopt digital ID at a pub or nightclub?
For bar owners and publicans who want to modernise, adopting the acceptance of digital IDs should be a priority. Yoti, the popular ID application company, has partnered with Licensing Connect – helping licensed premises adopt digital proof of age with confidence. They have laid out a roadmap, with all the tools and training available to help hospitality businesses meet regulatory requirements.
Businesses will require a contact with an official DVS. Verification services are being integrated into fixed and handheld POS systems, self-checkouts, and ordering platforms – such as order at table apps. This way, digital proof of age is quick and seamless. NDML can help venues get in touch with Lucidity or Yoti, or their preferred choice of DVS and POS provider.
Venues wishing to adopt digital ID should research the requirements placed upon customers, and market these to patrons. Flyers, displays, marketing materials or newsletters – with step by step guidance on how to set up a digital ID – will prove very useful for your customers.