Last Updated on August 1, 2023 by Umer Malik
Whether you have known about alcohol delivery services for years or are just discovering them for the first time, it is still fascinating to learn how they work and the regulations they have to face just to ship you your favorite drinks and spirits. There is no more need to type “liquor store near me” in your maps app.
If you are curious about this, read on to learn about the ever-changing and expanding landscape of alcohol.
Table of Contents
Alcohol Delivery Services: What They Do
Whether you have heard of them or not, alcohol delivery services have grown significantly in popularity and possibilities over the past several years. As you may have guessed, alcohol delivery services provide consumers with the ability to order any type of alcohol from the comfort of their homes. The convenience of having alcohol shipped to your doorstep, combined with the nearly limitless selection, has the whole country interested.
Why they Have Become Popular
Consumers of every industry are always looking for the most convenient way to get what they want. For the most part, people hate running errands and leaving their homes. This is why companies like DoorDash and Instacart have taken off. For alcohol, people have grown tired of searching “liquor store near me” on Google. This need for convenience, combined with the recent world-changing pandemic, has catapulted the alcohol delivery service into the public eye.
How They Have Progressed
Alcohol delivery services are different from other delivery services in that they weren’t always legal or accepted. They still aren’t in some places. Even though it has been a tough journey, the profitability and need for this service have caused the government to look at it in a new light. It is now more accessible and useful than ever before. As I said, no more need to look up “liquor store near me”.
Legalities and Regulations
Although alcohol delivery is now more accessible than ever. There are still several legal restrictions and regulations that these delivery companies must face before they can ship your favorite spirits to your door. Here are a few you may want to be aware of.
Advertising Through Alcohol Delivery Platforms
Suppliers can initiate paid advertisements through alcohol delivery platforms. This could pose potential problems that state regulators are acutely aware of. Because these delivery platforms are not licensed, they can receive payment for the advertisement. But, they must not let any retailer benefit from it, indirectly or directly.
Alcohol Sales
The financial aspect of alcohol sales is also something to be aware of. Again, since these delivery platforms are not licensed, there are heavy restrictions on what they can and cannot do. In most states, delivery platforms cannot receive payment for alcohol. The monies must first go to the alcohol retailer, then pass through to the delivery services so they can collect their fee. This is just one way that these delivery companies can be paid.
Personal Data Restrictions
Consumer privacy laws are ever-changing and major factors in how companies like these delivery platforms make money. Oftentimes, these companies make money off of consumer data, and in many states, they may not be allowed to do so.
Fee Structure
The fee structure for delivery companies can get tricky. Most states only allow licensed businesses to benefit from the sale of alcohol. Therefore, delivery companies typically cannot base their fee on alcohol sales. Instead, most states require that their fee be a flat fee or directly correlate with distance rather than the amount purchased.
Individual State Restrictions
Every state has its own set of rules and regulations for each facet of the alcohol delivery industry. However, a few states are particularly strict in this arena. So, depending on where you live, you may need to search “liquor store near me” after all.
Alabama
Alabama is very strict on the delivery of alcohol. It is completely illegal unless you plead your case directly to the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board. After review, they will decide if you are eligible for an exception.
Delaware
Alcohol delivery platforms are strictly prohibited in the state of Delaware. The only way you can receive alcohol from the comfort of your home is if you purchase it from a restaurant, and they take it directly to your home. You will need a valid Delaware driver’s license for this.
Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the more strict states with alcohol and alcohol-related sales. Not only is the delivery of alcohol completely illegal, but many counties also prohibit the sale of alcohol at any establishment.
Mississippi
Mississippi does not allow for the delivery of alcohol. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you can purchase alcohol directly from restaurants and craft breweries to be delivered straight to your door. However, delivery through non-licensed third-party companies is prohibited.
Utah
The delivery of alcohol is strictly prohibited, with no exceptions. So, if you ever visit the beautiful landscape of Utah, you may want to search for the nearest liquor store ahead of time.
The Bottom Line
Alcohol delivery platforms are in full stride. Even though a few states have not legalized the delivery of non-licensed platforms, they are still quicker and better than ever before. There is no doubt that this industry will continue to grow and become more accessible to everyone. Leaving no reason for anyone to type “liquor store near me” ever again.
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