Denmark is set to introduce electronic age verification systems in retail stores, significantly modernizing the process of checking customer age for alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine products. This change, announced by Denmark’s Ministry of Interior and Health, aims to simplify age control and reduce illegal sales to minors.
Simplifying age checks through technology
Currently, supermarkets and retail outlets selling restricted products such as alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine must manually verify customer IDs, even at self-checkouts. This process requires staff intervention and has often proven difficult and confrontational.
The Danish Government, along with the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet), Liberal Party (Venstre), Moderates (Moderaterne), Socialist People’s Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti), Denmark Democrats (Danmarksdemokraterne), and Conservative Party (Det Konservative Folkeparti), has approved a measure allowing electronic age-verification systems. One example is the pan-European digital identity wallet, ID Wallet, expected to be implemented in Denmark and across the EU by 2026.
Combating illegal sales to minors
The new electronic age control initiative comes after a series of inspections revealed significant illegal sales to minors. Between July 1, 2024, and February 20, 2025, control tests showed widespread unlawful sales of age-restricted products.
Interior and Health Minister Sophie Løhde highlighted the need for change:
“We often hear from grocery stores that it’s challenging for employees to ask for ID. Unfortunately, too many underage youths easily buy alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine products. We aim to change this by providing stores better tools to comply with the law.”
Reducing stress for employees and ensuring privacy
An analysis by consulting firm Accenture indicated that asking for photo identification often creates stress and conflict for cashiers, leading to inadequate age verification. Electronic verification solutions will alleviate these issues, reduce manual intervention, and streamline the shopping experience.
Despite the benefits, privacy concerns regarding data protection have arisen. Danish authorities emphasize that electronic age verification systems will adhere strictly to the EU’s data protection standards, preserving consumer privacy and trust.
Next steps and implementation timeline
Introducing electronic age verification will require legislative amendments. The Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health (Indenrigs- og Sundhedsministeriet) plans to submit a corresponding legislative proposal shortly. Over 7,000 retailers are expected to adopt these new electronic age-verification systems, significantly modernizing Denmark’s retail sector.
