Major change to how you buy alcohol in shops and pubs could be coming soon

The Government is planning a huge change on how people buy alcohol.

Those who wish to buy booze in pubs, bars and shops could soon have their face scanned or give their fingerprint, instead of showing a form of ID. Under the new plans, new technology including facial recognition could be among the tools being used.

A new Home Office consultation has been launched into whether "digital identities, age estimation and other technology" can help staff assess if someone is old enough, the Mirror reports. At the moment only ID with a photo, date of birth and holographic mark or ultraviolet feature is permitted.

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Policing minister Chris Philp said: "The Government is keen to enable the secure and appropriate use of new technologies that can improve the experience of consumers and retailers. We are therefore consulting on whether to amend the act so as to allow digital identities and technology to play a role in age verification."

The Government believes the idea will get the backing of businesses. It stated "discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality, retail and licensing sectors, as well as policing" suggests there will be support. However having a digital ID will not be compulsory. The Government is weighing up widening the Licensing Act 2003 to include new technology as acceptable proof of age.

What is a digital identity?

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) defines a digital identity as "a digital representation of your identity information, like your name and age". These let you to prove who you are without presenting physical documents.

Some banks will check your identity