Major change to how you buy alcohol planned by government – check to see how you could be affected

SHOPPERS could soon be able to buy booze without needing physical proof of age.

Ministers are considering plans to let people purchase alcohol with forms of digital ID. 

It could greenlight the rollout of AI facial recognition to speed up queues at the checkout. 

They are also planning to require more age checks for online orders at the point of delivery.

Currently anyone suspected of being under 18 needs to produce a physical identity document like a passport or driving licence. 

But Home Office 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.

“However the current wording of the Act does not allow technology to play a part in the age verification process for alcohol sales.

“A person must make the decision on whether an individual is old enough to purchase alcohol.

“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 need for robust national standards for digital identities and technology remains paramount in order to provide confidence to retailers and consumers alike that they are fit for purpose.”

Mr Philp announced a separate review on age verification checks for booze that is not bought face to face.

He floated proposals to check proof of age “at the point of delivery” like when shoppers receive bottles on the doorstep.