This briefing summarises the key findings of a survey commissioned by Alcohol Change UK about alcohol delivery. The survey is, to our knowledge, the first nationally representative study in the UK to investigate the experiences of people who use alcohol delivery services.

Key findings:

• 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.