The Consumer Choice Center analyzed and compiled state laws concerning the delivery of all categories of alcohol.

Each state’s alcohol delivery laws come with some caveats, whether they be permits for home delivery, monopolization of shipping by state liquor stores, and requirements to use wholesalers in three-tier alcohol systems.

We’ve attempted to convey the most accurate information as of February 2020.

While many states do not allow the home delivery of liquor, there are a myriad of delivery applications such as Drizly and Thirstie that help facilitate the home delivery of alcohol from retail locations in states that otherwise outlaw it.

PRESS RELEASE: All States Should Allow Alcohol Delivery

Washington, D.C. – This week, millions of Americans are quarantined at home amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Because of this, many have resorted to having household items delivered through online delivery platforms. Though residents in select states are able to order alcohol, many people in other states are barred from doing the same.

In the face of coronavirus, these restrictions are being temporarily lifted via emergency declarations issued by state governors, helping support restaurants and small businesses that will now be allowed to deliver alcohol to people’s homes.

Yaël Ossowski, Deputy Director of the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), said “Consumers can order thousands of household products and food from the Internet, but curbs on shipping alcohol remain on the books. 

“Instead of emergency laws allowing home delivery of alcohol for a short period of time, states should immediately move to make these laws permanent to increase consumer choice for every American,” said Ossowski.

“At present, 12 states allow for some method of delivery of all alcohol, and 31 states allow wine and beer to be purchased and shipped to consumers’ homes. Utah, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Rhode Island, and Deleware currently bar alcohol deliveries to personal residences.

“Allowing for alcohol delivery will help consumers during the Covid-19 outbreak in the short term, but it will also help further boost economic activity and increase competition and options for consumers in the long term,” said Ossowski.

“There are dozens of innovative apps and online services that are beginning to offer alcohol delivery in real-time, but the legal status is shaky. That’s why consumers need clarity and need states to allow them to order alcohol to their home like any other product,” said Ossowski.