Overview

This bill mandates that online businesses selling age-restricted goods and services must take reasonable steps to verify the age of their customers before completing the sale. The specifics of what constitutes "reasonable steps" and the list of age-restricted goods and services will be determined by the Secretary of State.

Description

The Online Purchasing of Goods and Services (Age Verification) Bill requires companies, organizations, and individuals selling age-restricted goods and services online to verify the age of purchasers. The Secretary of State will define which goods and services are subject to this requirement, considering existing legal age restrictions. Businesses must take "reasonable steps" to verify age. The Secretary of State will provide annual guidance on meeting these obligations. Failure to comply is an offense punishable by a fine.

Key Aspects:

• Applies to online sales of age-restricted goods and services.
• Requires businesses to verify customer age using reasonable methods.
• Secretary of State to define age-restricted goods and services and provide guidance.
• Penalties for non-compliance include fines.
• Extends to Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending figures. However, there may be costs associated with the development and publication of guidance by the Secretary of State and with the enforcement of the law.

Groups Affected

• Online businesses: Will need to implement age verification systems, potentially incurring costs.
• Consumers: May face additional steps during online purchases of age-restricted goods and services.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for defining age-restricted goods and services, providing guidance, and overseeing enforcement.
• Enforcement agencies: Will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting breaches of the legislation.

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