Rukmiini Iyer’s recipe for mozzarella in carozza – and the leftover crusts

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-15 • Permanent link

Amidst the growing concerns over underage drinking, a significant shift in the way pubs and bars verify the age of patrons in England and Wales is set to take place this week. New laws will introduce a digital ID system, which is expected to streamline age checks and reduce the risk of underage drinking. The move is expected to impact the hospitality industry, with some experts warning of potential job losses and increased costs for businesses. The UK's Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers has welcomed the new regulations, citing the need to protect young people from the dangers of underage drinking.

As the digital ID system comes into force, investors in the hospitality sector are bracing themselves for the potential impact. The sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, and the introduction of new regulations could exacerbate existing challenges. However, the long-term benefits of the new system are expected to outweigh the short-term costs, with many experts predicting a safer and more responsible drinking culture. The UK's Office for National Statistics has reported a significant decrease in underage drinking in recent years, and the new regulations are expected to build on this trend.

The new digital ID system is the latest development in a long history of efforts to tackle underage drinking in the UK. Since the 1980s, the government has implemented a range of measures to reduce the risks associated with underage drinking, including increasing the minimum age for purchasing alcohol and introducing stricter licensing laws. The introduction of digital ID systems is the latest step in this journey, and it is expected to be a major success. The system will use a combination of facial recognition technology and mobile phone numbers to verify the age of patrons, making it easier for businesses to comply with the new regulations.

As the digital ID system comes into effect, businesses will need to adapt quickly to the new regulations. The UK's Licensing Act 2003 requires businesses to have a system in place to verify the age of patrons, and the new digital ID system is expected to make this process easier and more efficient. However, some experts have warned that the introduction of the new system could lead to job losses and increased costs for businesses, particularly in the smaller sector. As the industry adjusts to the new regulations, it remains to be seen how the digital ID system will shape the future of the hospitality sector.