Same day alcohol delivery under the spotlight to reduce youth alcohol related harm
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is putting the Same Day Alcohol Deliveries (SDAD) on notice, checking providers are abiding with the law as the summer festive season begins to ramp up.
The market for SDAD has grown considerably in recent years and deliveries can often be made in as little as 30 minutes.
The industry is being warned that inspectors are out and about, conducting covert compliance audits across the state that involve L&GNSW ordering alcohol deliveries online to certain locations or public places testing:
- whether delivery staff check ID at the point of delivery,
- whether delivery staff have the required Responsible Supply of Alcohol Training,
- whether self-excluded people can successfully order alcohol, and
- whether alcohol is being provided in alcohol-free and alcohol prohibited zones.
L&GNSW Executive Director Regulatory Operations Dimitri Argeres said that during the current compliance operation they have found most express delivery providers compliant, however some providers are still putting minors at risk by not checking IDs at the point of delivery.
“The vast majority of operators are doing the right thing; however, it is a real concern that in the lead-up to summer we still have some delivery contractors not checking IDs when the handover happens. Delivery drivers must confirm the recipient is over 18, ensure the delivery details match the recipient, and properly record the ID check at the time of delivery,” Mr Argeres said.
“On 11 November, we observed a driver delivering liquor to Kibble Park, Gosford and not requesting identification. That final ID check is mandatory and is the most effective way of stopping under 18s accessing alcohol. It reduces the risk of alcohol-related harm as some customers may try to use these services to avoid usual checks that apply on licensed premises like bottle shops,” he said.
Another area of concern is a significant number of drivers are completing deliveries in designated alcohol-free and alcohol-prohibited zones.
“We also witnessed a few weeks ago a driver delivering liquor to Hyde Park, Sydney which is a designated alcohol prohibited area. These areas are strictly regulated, and bringing liquor into them is an offence under the Act,” Mr Argeres said.
“This trend suggests a need for better geographic awareness and improved training to ensure personnel understand local restrictions before completing a delivery.
“On a positive note, our inspectors have been testing self-exclusion requirements, and to date, all operators have been compliant. This means that after self-excluding, inspectors were only able to buy non-alcoholic beverages,” he said.
L&GNSW released a framework for these services in 2021 when the new laws were introduced. The framework sets out measures to reduce the risk of minors and intoxicated people accessing alcohol.
“While we have seen a significant improvement in compliance rates since in 2021, we urge all retailers and people making the deliveries to ensure they know their responsibilities,” Mr Argeres said.
“The maximum fine for a provider for not checking ID is $5,500 – however people found to be selling and supplying alcohol to minors can face fines of up to $11,000, 12-months imprisonment or both,” he said.
L&GNSW is investigating the breaches detected in this operation and continue to engage with industry on licensing compliance and harm minimisation.
More information and resources regarding same day alcohol delivery can be found here.