Major change to UK pubs as customers need 'digital ID' in 2025

Farewell to the days of frantically searching for your driving licence or passport when you fancy a pint – digital ID cards backed by the Government are set to come into play in 2025. Brummies will soon be able to secure a drink with just an app, as long as they're signed up with a certified company that meets government standards for security and reliability.

This is all part of the broader push to shift state functions online, making it a breeze to assert one's identity for a variety of activities via an app. Popping into local pubs, dining out in restaurants, hopping from shop to shop, applying for a bank account, and even dealing with tax affairs – it's all going digital.

While current online systems rely on two-step identification, the fresh approach introduces a "single sign-on" for an enhanced user experience. This tech tweak forms part of the sweeping revisions within the Data Bill navigating its way through Parliament at present.

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Once the changes get the green light, digital identity services will have the option to apply for government certification and earn a spot on a Gov.uk register, brandishing a trust mark for all to see.

With a quick scan of digital IDs, landlords and shopkeepers will be able to authenticate a customer's age on the spot, dispensing with the need to scrutinize traditional documents known to divulge more personal details than necessary, like addresses and full names, reports the Express.

Keeping things simple and swift, this change could mean a rapid QR code check or similar tech-savvy method is all it takes to get serviced.

There are also discussions about incorporating this into a shop's checkout system, which could eliminate the need for an attendant to verify a customer's age - a process that can cause queues and delays. Despite the push towards this technological advancement, officials have confirmed that the digital ID will not be mandatory, and individuals will still be able to use other documents such as utility bills and driving licences to confirm their identity.

In addition to this, the new scheme will enable approximately 250,000 former service personnel to access digital veteran cards on their smartphones. Starting next year, veterans will be able to verify their status using an app designed to expedite access to services and support programmes.