Service perfected: Revolutionising age verification in hospitality for seamless experiences
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Written by Robert Govier, Hospitality Account Chief Technologist, Fujitsu UK
In the world of hospitality, every interaction is an opportunity to create a memorable experience. It’s about warmth, welcome, and seamless service.
Yet, the mandatory step of age verification often shatters this illusion. That clunky ID request at the bar, the awkward pause at a restaurant table, the potential for confrontation at a venue entrance – these moments interrupt the flow, dilute the welcome, and detract from the very essence of guest satisfaction.
Forward-thinking hospitality leaders know technology advancements aren’t just about efficiency; it’s about amplifying the quality of every guest interaction. As expectations for speed, discretion, and impeccable service soar, outdated manual ID checks hinder your ability to deliver. It’s time for a revolution: a digital age verification approach that streamlines processes, allowing your team to focus on exceptional service, rather than impeding it.
The UK government recognises this shift, preparing to update the 2003 Licensing Act to explicitly allow Digital Age Verification for alcohol sales. At Fujitsu, our collaboration with the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) is paving the way for this future, through the UK Digital Proof of Age Standards Scheme (DPASS).
But why wait? The tools to transform your guest and staff experience are available now. Embracing advanced Age Assurance solutions today isn’t merely about compliance; it’s about setting a new industry standard, fostering trust, and enhancing every facet of your hospitality operation.
Elevating the guest journey: Beyond just checking an ID
For every hotel, bar, restaurant, or event venue, the guest experience is paramount. Digital age verification isn’t just a regulatory hurdle; it’s an opportunity to enrich how guests interact with your brand.
Imagine guests discreetly verifying age via their mobile device instead of fumbling for physical ID. This transforms a potential point of discomfort into a smooth, almost invisible process. From ordering fine wine to accessing an adult-only area, the experience becomes less about being "checked" and more about being "welcomed," building trust and encouraging relaxed enjoyment.
In your bustling bar, every second counts. Digital age verification expedites service, ensures efficient order placement, and keeps queues moving. More time enjoying your hospitality, less time waiting, ultimately boosts satisfaction and potentially increases revenue.
Many guests prefer to keep their personal details private. Digital solutions verify age without handling physical IDs or exposing sensitive information to multiple staff. This offers discretion and security that resonates with today's privacy-conscious consumer.
Empowering your people: A safer and more productive team
Your staff are the heart of your hospitality business. Their well-being directly impacts the guest experience. Digital age verification offers profound benefits for your most valuable asset:
Confrontations over age verification are a distressing reality. Aggressive patrons, fake IDs, or genuine mistakes lead to stress and conflict. Digital tools depersonalise this process, significantly reducing staff-guest friction and creating a safer, more respectful work environment.
Automating age checks empowers your staff to focus on delivering outstanding service – anticipating needs, engaging in genuine conversation, and enhancing the overall atmosphere. They become ambassadors for your brand, not age policemen, leading to higher morale and a more dedicated team.
Digital systems provide clear, consistent guidelines and a verifiable audit trail for every age-restricted transaction. This equips your staff with greater confidence and offers your management team unparalleled control and assurance regarding compliance.
Beyond the bar: Seamless digital assurance across your venue
Fujitsu’s powerful software solutions are designed for hospitality, embedding robust age assurance controls across all your service channels. Our market-leading accuracy and resilience ensure continuous operation, even offline, giving your guests the ultimate flexibility to prove their age:
Guests use a secure mobile app for age verification, eliminating physical ID needs. Supporting UK DPASS standards, this integrates seamlessly with your existing POS systems, loyalty programs, or ordering apps. Imagine age-gating access to a VIP lounge or confirming eligibility for an age-restricted spa treatment with a quick tap.
Our innovative AI estimates a customer’s age in real-time, discreetly and without retaining personal data. This tool helps your staff quickly identify clearly underage individuals, allowing targeted manual checks only where truly necessary – a 'check 25' system evolved for the digital age.
These technologies are deployed across diverse hospitality touchpoints: from streamlining self-check-in at hotels, to managing access at event entrances, facilitating automated ordering, and ensuring smooth service at any bar or restaurant POS. This holistic approach prepares your business for the future of alcohol sales verification, redefining efficiency, security, and the guest and staff experience.
Your vision, our expertise: Partnering for a digital future
Technology is transforming hospitality. Your guests demand frictionless experiences, and your staff deserve to excel without constant challenge. Digital age verification isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about cultivating trust, boosting operational flow, and enhancing your brand’s reputation as modern, responsible, and guest-centric.
By implementing Fujitsu’s Digital Age Assurance today, you will:
- 1
Elevate experiences
Create a truly seamless and discreet welcome for every guest.
- 2
Empower your team
Cultivate a safer, more confident, and happier workforce.
- 3
Optimise operations
Streamline age checks, reduce wait times, and gain valuable compliance insights.
- 4
Futureproof your business
Adapt effortlessly to evolving regulations, ensuring unwavering compliance.
Change is a catalyst for progress. Hospitality businesses embracing this digital transformation will reap the rewards of unparalleled guest experiences, a thriving workforce, robust compliance, and enhanced operational control. With Fujitsu’s pioneering solutions, you can lead this transformation.
The future of hospitality is digital, service-centric, and efficient. The time to act is now.
Will your establishment be ready to lead the charge? Don’t delay. Get in touch with Fujitsu today to discover how Fujitsu’s Age Assurance solutions can transform your hospitality operations.
