What would good practice look like?

There have been a number of suggestions put forward by key health organisations and public health advocates that could reduce the potential for some harms associated with online alcohol delivery:

• A minimum 2-hour delay between purchase and delivery – to help restrict delivery to intoxicated individuals and high-risk drinkers.
• Drivers receiving proper ‘Responsible Serving of Alcohol’ (RSA) training – including the ability to identify intoxicated individuals and refuse service.
• No delivery between 10pm and 10am – to reduce late night delivery when alcohol harms are most likely to occur.
• Proper ID checking when the purchase is made online, and when the alcohol is delivered to the doorstep – to reduce the likelihood of underage access.

For a more detailed list of recommendations, see:

• Alcohol Change Vic

Help and Support

If you’re worried about yourself or somebody’s use of alcohol, there is support available:

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015
24-hour phoneline that offers telephone counselling, information, support and referral to treatment services for anyone seeking help for their own, or another person's, alcohol or drug use.

Family Drug Help (VIC, SA, TAS): 1300 660 068
Family Drug Support (NSW, ACT, QLD): 1300 368 186
Parent and Family Drug Support Line (WA): 1800 653 203

If you are affected by someone’s alcohol or drug use you can contact any of the above 24-hour helplines for information, support, counselling, and educational programs.