Online alcohol delivery
In recent years we’ve seen a rapid growth in Australians using online alcohol delivery services, with more people jumping on their mobile device to purchase beer, wine or spirits.1
Existing alcohol retailers have responded by increasing their ability to sell drinks online and deliver them straight to people’s doorsteps.2
And, a number of new companies have pushed their way into the online delivery marketplace.2
Revenue from online alcohol sales has increased at an average of 19.1% each year since 2016, hitting $1.8 billion in 2021.3
Although evidence around the impact of online alcohol delivery is limited, health organisations are concerned about the potential for it to increase alcohol-related harms.
This is largely because these services are not regulated as strictly as traditional alcohol outlets,2 and there are worries that:
- underage drinkers are receiving alcohol without proper ID checks
- home delivery has the potential to increase the risk of secondary supply and young people’s exposure to alcohol products, normalising alcohol as part of everyday life
- delivery services are being used to extend heavy drinking occasions that otherwise would have ended
- risky drinkers, including those experiencing alcohol dependence, are using online delivery to access alcohol quickly and easily.2-4
How does online alcohol delivery work?
The online delivery market is dominated by the large supermarket chains, as well as several smaller independent companies.
What are the potential harms of online delivery?
Concerns have been raised about online delivery services not checking IDs properly when dropping off alcohol at someone’s doorstep, or when the original purchase is made online.
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...
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