Second order effects do not mean they're less important, perhaps that's the misunderstanding.

> I couldn't care less about the technicalities cooked up by ofcom.

Then you will be incapable of discussing it with anyone looking at how things are implemented and will continue to make assertions that don't match what they're seeing.

> if every store was required to check your ID digitally, in real time, and storing that information

Which has no parallel to what's in the OSA.