Alcohol Delivery: What Servers & Drivers Must Know

Ordering booze to your doorstep has exploded since the pandemic — but delivering it isn’t as simple as dropping off a pizza. Every state has its own rules, and if you’re the one delivering, you need to know when it’s legal, what ID to check, and how to keep yourself and your bar out of trouble.

Why It Matters

Alcohol delivery is booming. But with growth comes risk — fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges if delivery laws aren’t followed. For servers, bartenders, and drivers, understanding your state’s rules is the difference between extra tips and extra liability.

The What: Delivery Rules in Plain English

• Who can deliver? In some states, only licensed retailers. In others, third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
• What can be delivered? Beer only in some states, full spirits in others.
• When can it be delivered? Some states limit delivery hours.
• How is it delivered? Always ID at the door — and sometimes a signature required.

The Where: State Delivery Laws (Examples)

States that Allow Alcohol Delivery (as of 2025):

• California – Beer, wine, and spirits can be delivered by licensed retailers and third-party apps.
• Florida – Beer, wine, and liquor delivery allowed by retailers and apps, but ID required at drop-off.
• New York – Alcohol delivery allowed with restrictions. Beer and wine delivery is common; spirits must come from licensed retailers.
• Texas – Beer, wine, and liquor can be delivered by retailers, restaurants, and apps with proper permits.
• Virginia – Delivery permitted, but only through ABC-approved licensees.
• Maryland – Varies by county. Some counties allow delivery, others restrict it.
• Pennsylvania – Limited. Beer delivery is allowed from distributors and certain retailers; liquor and wine are restricted.
• New Jersey – Some delivery permitted, but liquor store-to-home only; third-party apps face restrictions.
• Oregon – Delivery of beer, wine, and liquor allowed with OLCC-approved licenses.
• Illinois – Alcohol delivery widely permitted; requires BASSET-trained delivery staff.

States with Major Restrictions or Bans:

• Utah – No alcohol delivery allowed.
• Alabama – Delivery allowed only in limited cities/counties with local approval.
• Mississippi – Some local allowances, but no broad delivery program.

👉 For a full breakdown of your state, check our Alcohol Regulation Map.

The How: Safe Delivery Practices

1. Always check ID at the door. No ID = no delivery.
2. Match the name. The person accepting must match the order name.
3. Refuse if impaired. If someone’s obviously drunk, you must decline.
4. Follow hours. Don’t deliver past legal cut-off times.
5. Keep records. Document deliveries — apps often require it.

Pro Tip: In most states, you’re on the hook if you hand alcohol to a minor or intoxicated person — even during delivery.

When It Gets Tricky

• Apartment buildings — leaving alcohol at the door is never allowed.
• Third-party apps — not all are licensed in every state.
• Local exceptions — Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Alabama all vary county by county.

Bar Takeaway

• Alcohol delivery is legal in many states, but the rules aren’t universal.
• Always ID, refuse if impaired, and follow time restrictions.
• When in doubt, double-check state and county rules.

👉 Want to protect your job and your liquor license? Get certified in responsible alcohol service through our Alcohol Server & Seller Training. You’ll also find a state-by-state regulation map to check the laws where you work.