A ground-breaking new system which instantly weeds out fake ID and verifies a customer’s age has been launched in the UK.

The new AgeSafe system from Idscan Biometrics has the ability to read and verify 230 different ID formats, including driving licences and 164 kinds of passport from across the globe.

Idscan Biometrics MD Tamlyn Thompson said the system had been designed to assist retailers in the fight against underaged sales. “AgeSafe is designed to both stop teenagers buying these products and protect retailers’ livelihoods,” she said.

The system costs £1,099 or can be rented weekly from £10. A fingerprint scanner can also be added.