Research commissioned by Alcohol Change and the first of its kind in the UK, looked at the emerging issue of remote alcohol delivery. Alcohol change noted that there had been some research into alcohol delivery in the US and Australia, but no-one had yet investigated the issue in the UK.
Key findings of the report:
- Most people order deliveries because it’s more convenient than visiting physical shops.
- Almost half of people (47%) had their most recent order delivered on the same day.
- Alcohol deliveries make it easier for us to carry on drinking, when we might otherwise have stopped.
- Three in ten people have ordered a delivery when drunk.
- Regular users of alcohol delivery services (those ordering at least once a month) tend to drink more than average for the UK.
- Less than a quarter of 18-25s (22%) always have their ID checked on the doorstep.
- Marketing plays a role, with 64% of survey respondents and 82% of 18-25 year olds prompted to order by a promotion at least once in the last three months.
Recommendations:
- Improve age-checking for home deliveries.
- Restrict alcohol marketing via delivery platforms.
- Update licensing laws to be fit for a digital age.
- Ensure delivery drivers have training, time and support to recognise and potentially refuse delivery to people who are under 18 or intoxicated.