New digitial age verification (DAV) regulations expected in October

The Home Office has indicated that regulations permitting the use of digital verification services for alcohol age checks are expected to take effect in October.

In a recent policy update, it is reported that a Home Office policy adviser stated that the Government “anticipate that the regulations will come into force in October, although this is subject to the parliamentary timetable.”

The update forms part of ongoing engagement between the Home Office and licensing stakeholders regarding the introduction of digital identification technology across England and Wales.

The proposed changes are contained within the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026, which amends the mandatory licence conditions applying to premises authorised to sell alcohol. While the draft statutory instrument has been published on legislation.gov.uk and sets out the framework for the acceptance of digital age-verification methods, it does not specify a commencement date. This is consistent with the Home Office’s position that implementation remains dependent on the progress of the legislation through Parliament.

We understand that the Home Office will provide a further update on the implementation timetable shortly, and we will keep you updated.

Once the legislation comes into force, revised statutory guidance will be issued to support operators, alongside further engagement with stakeholders regarding the practical use of digital ID products.