Denmark proposes electronic age checks for alcohol sales in physical shops
19.10.2026 - Denmark’s Parliament will hold the first reading of a bill allowing physical shops to use electronic age verification when selling alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products. Bill L 52, introduced on 8 October, also proposes stronger supervision of alcohol sales in unattended shops. The first parliamentary debate is scheduled for 22 October 2026.
The electronic age-check provision would give retailers an additional way to verify that customers meet the legal purchase age. Shops would be allowed to use electronic systems, but the proposal does not make their installation compulsory for every retailer. The measure concerns how existing age limits are enforced and does not introduce a general minimum alcohol purchase age of 18.
This part of the bill follows a political agreement reached in March 2025 by the parties behind Denmark’s 2023 prevention package: Socialdemokratiet, Venstre, Moderaterne, Socialistisk Folkeparti, Danmarksdemokraterne, Det Konservative Folkeparti and Alternativet. The agreement provides a political basis for the electronic age-verification measure, although the bill still requires parliamentary approval.
Alongside electronic checks, L 52 would strengthen the Danish Business Authority’s supervision of alcohol sales in unattended shops. It also proposes relaxing requirements for displaying age-limit notices for alcohol, tobacco and nicotine sales. The alcohol provisions therefore combine additional verification options and stronger oversight with changes intended to simplify signage requirements.
The bill forms part of the implementation of prevention initiatives under Denmark’s Cancer Plan V. Its wider measures include an 18-year minimum age for publicly accessible sunbeds, age checks at tanning centres, stricter requirements for tanning equipment and additional health warnings for tobacco substitutes such as nicotine pouches. It also adjusts rules governing the online display of tobacco and nicotine products.
As of 19 October, L 52 remains at the introduction stage and has not been adopted. Following the first reading, the parliamentary process includes detailed committee scrutiny, opportunities for questions and amendments, and second and third readings. No dates for the latter readings are currently listed in the published timetable.
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