Leisure Sector Update: Digital Age Verification

Welcome to the Harrison Drury Leisure Sector Newsletter. Your regular update on legal developments across the leisure, hospitality and tourism sector. Our aim is to keep you informed, prepared and ahead of the curve with insights tailored to support you and your business.

Digital age checks for alcohol sales  

The rules on checking a customer’s age when selling alcohol are changing. The Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026 is expected to allow approved digital verification services to be used for alcohol age checks in England and Wales.

It is proposed that customers will be able to prove they are 18 or over by using an approved digital ID or age-checking service, rather than relying on physical documents such as a passport, driving licence or PASS card.

The change is intended to modernise the current position, which is based on physical documents showing a photograph, date of birth and security feature. Once in force, pubs, bars, shops and other licence holders can accept age checks carried out through registered digital verification services, provided the service meets the relevant government standards and is registered on the Government’s register.

Digital verification may make checks easier, but it also creates a new compliance point for operators to manage, and possible updates to policies and procedures.

We have a team of solicitors across a range of legal disciplines all with significant experience in supporting businesses in the leisure sector. Meet our leisure sector team to see how our team can help support you. If you wish to subscribe to our leisure newsletter, please do so here.

Samantha Faud