As the UK prepares to update its Mandatory Licensing Conditions (MLC) later this year, retailers face a clear challenge on how to benefit from changes to in-store age checks, using digital proof.
Manual ID checks are a known source of friction - often frustrating customers or placing staff in difficult situations. But with the upcoming update to Mandatory Licensing Conditions (MLC), digital proof of age is finally on the table for alcohol purchases.
This shift presents the retail industry with a clear choice - to navigate the transition, or lead it. For forward-thinking operators, it’s a chance to enhance customer experience, reduce conflict, and position their store at the forefront of responsible innovation
Digital identity platform, Luciditi, has launched its AgeProof SDK proof of age technology, which is the first of its kind in the market. The system enables establishments to be among the first in the UK to adopt this new technology for loyalty and customer apps so that they can minimise conflict and queues, cut costs and curb fraud, simplify compliance and standardise age checks.
“Retailers don’t need to become digital identity experts or rebuild their tech to offer mobile age verification and customers don’t need yet another app.”
Philip Young (left), CTO and co-founder at Luciditi, said: “Retailers don’t need to become digital identity experts or rebuild their tech to offer mobile age verification and customers don’t need yet another app.
“We’ve created a solution that integrates effortlessly into existing loyalty and customer apps. There’s no huge development cycle needed, no compliance complexity - just a simple, secure way for customers to prove their age using the apps they already trust.”
While the legal framework hasn’t changed since 2014, Home Office guidance now supports digital proof of age prompting early adopters to prepare for launch in time for the most significant operational shift in alcohol licensing in over a decade.
The Government has not confirmed the exact date from which digital ID will be accepted, but says it “will be working with colleagues across government and stakeholders to implement this new approach, including preparing the necessary statutory instruments.”
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