England and Wales have authorised the use of biometric technology for age verification in establishments selling alcohol. The new measure allows pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants to use facial 'scans' to confirm whether customers are of the minimum legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Biometric technology replaces traditional identification documents, such as driving licences or passports, in verifying the majority status of consumers. Establishments may now choose to implement this system as a form of alcohol access control.
The authorisation comes in a context of debate about the effectiveness of traditional age verification methods and about the need to streamline the process for both customers and traders. The measure aims to combat the sale of alcohol to minors more efficiently.
Establishments are free to choose whether or not to implement biometric technology; it is not mandatory. The decision to adopt this system is at the discretion of each pub, bar, nightclub or restaurant that wishes to use it as an alternative to conventional identification methods.
