December 11th 2024.
As a 22-year-old man, I can't help but feel frustrated when I realize I've forgotten my ID after a long day at work and head to the pub. But it seems like the government has come up with a solution that could save me and other young people from the misery of going pintless. According to new plans, starting from Christmas 2025, we might be able to prove our age at pubs and nightclubs using a simple QR code on our phones.
The UK government is aiming to make our lives easier by introducing this digital system, which falls under the Data Protection Act. No more worrying about carrying our passports or driver's licenses when we're out for a drink. With more and more people using their phones for transactions, the government hopes this will also make things smoother for customers at pubs.
But what exactly does this QR code show? Well, it will simply verify if the person is of legal age to purchase alcohol, without revealing any other personal information like address or date of birth. And let's face it, after a long day at work, there's nothing quite like a post-work pint to unwind. So, it's a relief to know that young people will no longer be turned away from pubs just because they forgot their ID.
The app that will generate this QR code will use a "single sign-on" feature, unlike the usual two-step verification process. And although possessing a digital ID won't be mandatory, the government is also planning to amend the Licensing Act to allow landlords to serve drinks to customers who provide their ID through the app.
These changes are currently in the process of being passed through Parliament, and a government source told the Sunday Times that the first step will be to digitalize existing identity documents. The government is also considering incorporating this system into shop checkout processes. If implemented, this would eliminate the need for supermarkets to have attendants checking customers' IDs when they buy alcohol or cigarettes.
But don't worry, you still have the option to use your traditional forms of identification like driving licenses, utility bills, or passports. The government understands that not everyone might be comfortable with digital IDs, and they want to make sure everyone has a choice.
The hospitality industry has been going through a tough time in the last few years, with a significant decline in the number of pubs in the country. In fact, statistics show that from 2013 to 2023, almost 3,000 pubs have closed down, leaving only 38,175 in operation. The recent pandemic has only added to their struggles, making it difficult for local businesses to survive.
One London pub, O'Neill's on Wardour Street in Soho, has even resorted to charging an extra £2 for pints after 10 PM, causing quite a stir. And as if things couldn't get any worse, Guinness recently announced that they are facing shortages due to an increase in sales after the Autumn internationals. To cope with this, Diageo, the company that owns Guinness, has decided to limit the amount of kegs pubs can purchase. This has caused concern among pub owners, like Con Riordon who runs the Blythe Hill Tavern in South London, who fear losing customers if they run out of Guinness, especially during the holiday season.
But amidst all the struggles, there was a glimmer of hope for the hospitality industry when the government decided to scrap the proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens. This proposal had received widespread criticism from pub owners when it was announced earlier this summer. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting clarified that the government is always looking for ways to improve public health without infringing on people's liberties and livelihoods. With the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry, the government listened to their concerns and decided not to go ahead with the outdoor smoking ban at this point.
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