Why won’t Instacart let me deliver alcohol?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

Instacart, like many other delivery platforms, has strict policies in place regarding the delivery of alcohol. One of the main reasons why Instacart does not allow shoppers to deliver alcohol to retail businesses or college campuses is because of legal regulations and age restrictions.

Alcohol delivery is subject to various laws and regulations that vary from state to state and even within different local jurisdictions. These regulations are put in place to ensure that alcohol is not sold or delivered to individuals who are underage or in locations where it is prohibited. By restricting alcohol deliveries to retail businesses and college campuses, Instacart aims to comply with these laws and prevent any potential legal issues.

To ensure compliance with age restrictions, Instacart requires shoppers to verify the age of the recipient before completing an alcohol delivery. Shoppers are required to scan the front and/or back of the recipient’s ID to confirm that they are 21 years or older. This process helps prevent the delivery of alcohol to minors and ensures that the delivery is made only to individuals who are of legal drinking age.

In some cases, if the shopper is unable to scan the recipient’s ID, they may be allowed to manually enter the recipient’s information. This additional step further verifies the age of the recipient and helps maintain the integrity of alcohol delivery.

It is also important to note that alcohol delivery can be a sensitive issue due to the potential for misuse and abuse. By restricting alcohol deliveries to certain locations, Instacart aims to minimize the risk of alcohol ending up in the wrong hands or being consumed irresponsibly.

While these restrictions may inconvenience some customers who may prefer alcohol deliveries to retail businesses or college campuses, they are in place to ensure compliance with legal requirements and promote responsible alcohol consumption.

Instacart does not allow alcohol deliveries to retail businesses or college campuses due to legal regulations, age restrictions, and the need to promote responsible alcohol consumption. By verifying the age of the recipient and adhering to local laws, Instacart aims to provide a safe and compliant platform for alcohol delivery.