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Regulations on Home Delivery of Alcohol

Description of Strategy

One way underage drinkers obtain alcohol is through home delivery services. Home delivery alcohol orders are not typically made in person which could allow a minor to purchase alcohol without providing identification. Home delivery policies place restriction on liquor store alcohol deliveries to personal residences, such as, restricting the days and times of delivery. Policies may also completely ban the delivery of alcohol to residential addresses. Restricting or banning home deliveries can be part of a local ordinance or a state law (University of Minnesota Alcohol Epidemiology Program, 2011).

The Wyoming Alcoholic Beverages Statute restricts a winery to “not ship more than a total of thirty-six (36) liters of its manufactured wine directly to any one (1) household in this state in any twelve (12) month period” (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 12-4-412, 2017). The statute also states that the wine must be sold to a person 21 years of age or older, and the delivery of the product requires the signature of the adult purchaser. The statute does not specifically address beer or liquor sales.

Discussion of Effectiveness

Alcohol

There is insufficient evidence to evaluate the effects of restricting home delivery of alcohol on underage alcohol use. Researchers found one published study regarding home delivery of alcohol. The study identified home delivery as a source of alcohol for underage drinkers in a large-scale survey investigation conducted in 15 small and medium-sized Midwestern communities. However, the study did not evaluate the effectiveness of restricting home delivery (Fletcher, Toomey, Wagenaar, Short, & Willenbring, 2000).