A new face-scanning application designed to verify the age of customers in pubs is set to roll out soon, aiming to reduce instances of drink refusals among adults who appear younger than 18. The technology works by scanning a person’s face to confirm their age, then generates a QR code for bar staff to scan, providing a quick and secure method of identification.

The app is intended to offer an alternative to traditional proof of age documents such as passports or physical ID cards, which can sometimes be forgotten or misplaced. By linking biometric age verification to a mobile device, venues hope to streamline entry and ordering processes while maintaining compliance with licensing laws.

While the precise launch date and participating venues have not been disclosed, early trials have suggested the app could ease frustrations for young-looking legal drinkers who are frequently turned away due to their appearance. However, users will need to ensure they have their smartphones charged and accessible, as access to alcohol will depend on the functionality of the app.

Industry experts note that biometric verification tools must balance convenience and data privacy, and it remains unclear how the app manages the storage and protection of the biometric data collected. Bar operators are optimistic that the technology could reduce the administrative burden on staff who currently need to manually check IDs multiple times during a visit.

The introduction of this face-scanning app reflects broader trends toward digital identification and the use of biometric technology in everyday transactions. If widely adopted, it may mark a significant shift in how age verification is conducted across the hospitality sector.