MILLIONS of shoppers could benefit from a huge change to ID rules across shops and supermarkets from next year.
A new law will let checkout staff verify a customer’s age through an app when buying booze.
Ministers hope the digital IDs will slash wait times at the tills and mean shoppers don’t have to lug physical ID’s with them.
The digital IDs will also be accepted in pubs and bars in a bid to make punters feel safer as they won’t show someone’s address.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, which represents the industry, said “there were fewer things more frustrating” than forgetting a physical ID but “hopefully these measures will make that a thing of the past”.
She added: “I look forward to working with the government on its smooth implementation, which minimises additional costs for businesses.”
Under the new law, shoppers will still be able to provide a physical form of ID, like a drivers licence or passport.
Anyone using the app will have to generate a code and show it to a staff member.
The Sun has asked the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, how people can download the ID app and we will update this story when we have heard back.
Peter Kyle, technology secretary, said the change would benefit both shoppers and businesses, “spurring the economic growth we need to put more money in the pockets of working people”.
Experts are predicting traditional bar codes will be made redundant with “smart” QR codes taking over at supermarkets within five years.
These codes, already being tested in 48 countries, can give shoppers instant access to detailed information about items.
There are a number of IDs retailers can accept when faced with a customer wanting to buy booze
Shoppers can scan the codes via smartphones and find out about a product’s environmental impact and ethical production standards.
They also alert customers to any harmful ingredients, or if an item has expired or been recalled over safety fears.
At the same time, a number of retailers are rolling out electronic shelf labels which are designed to be easier to update than paper ones.
The labels feature all the normal information you get on a paper one like cost, weight and unit price except all the information is displayed on digital screens.
These digital screens can be updated centrally by staff meaning all the correct information is shown.
Asda recently launched a 12-week trial where it is installing 3,000 of the electronic labels at an Express store in Manchester.
The labels are being added to products across the frozen, fresh, bakery, toiletries and alcohol sections.
Asda joins a host of other supermarkets who have launched electronic labels in stores in a bid to reduce staff workloads.
Lidl said it is rolling out the digital labels across all its stores before the end of 2024 following a successful trial at 35 branches.
Fellow discounter Aldi has already introduced digital screens in its stores.
A number of retailers have been going cash-free in recent months and years too.
In August Tesco revealed it would be going cashless at cafés in 40 UK sites.
Despite the move, Tesco has said it offers a choice of payment options for customers across its stores.
The supermarket also has 3,400 Tesco Bank cash machines in its stores.
Supermarket giant also Asda has 267 cashless petrol stations, where customers must pay at pump by card to fill up.
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