Key Takeaways
- Uber Eats delivers alcohol but with guidelines like delivery only to residences, age verification, and sobriety checks.
- From beers, wines, spirits to mixed cocktails – if it’s in stock at a local outlet, it can be delivered.
- Some states (e.g., Alabama, Utah) prohibit alcohol delivery through Uber Eats.
- Customers must be 21+, show valid photo ID, and appear sober during delivery. The app scans your ID for alcohol orders.
Does Uber Eats Deliver Alcohol?
Yes, Uber Eats does deliver alcohol.
Through the Uber Eats app, customers can order alcoholic beverages from local restaurants, as well as from convenience and liquor stores. However, there are certain guidelines and restrictions in place.
For instance, alcohol can only be delivered to residences and not to businesses or public spaces. This policy is part of Uber Eats’ commitment to preventing public intoxication and alcohol abuse.
Additionally, the legality of alcohol delivery is subject to state regulations, so it’s important to confirm that it’s permitted in your specific location before placing an order.
When receiving an alcohol delivery, customers must:
- You must be 21 or older.
- Show a valid photo ID to the delivery driver.
- Be present during the delivery; no one underage can collect it.
- Be sober during receipt of the order.
What Types of Alcohol Can You Have Delivered?
Uber Eats offers a wide variety of alcohol for delivery, with choices largely dependent on what’s available from your local liquor stores or restaurants.
Essentially, if a restaurant or liquor store has it in stock, you can have it delivered to your home through Uber Eats. This includes a range of alcoholic beverages, from beers and wines to liquors, spirits, and even mixed cocktails.
Where Is Uber Eats Alcohol Delivery Available?
Uber Eats has an alcohol delivery service option in most states. However, there are some states where the sale of alcohol through the app is prohibited:
- Alabama
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Each of the states has its own reason for denying the sale of alcohol through the app. Still, the fact of the matter is that if you live in any of the states, you will not be able to order alcohol online.
How to Order Alcohol From Uber [Step-By-Step]
If you live in an area serviced by Uber Eats for alcohol delivery, you’ll find the ordering process quite similar to that of food.
You simply navigate to the alcohol section and select from the offerings of local liquor stores or restaurants.
But while the ordering process mirrors food delivery, the delivery itself is a tad different due to the regulations tied to alcohol sales.
Notably, drivers cannot leave alcoholic orders unattended. Before handing over your alcohol purchase, the driver is mandated to verify your ID.
Does Uber Eats Verify Age for Alcohol Deliveries?
Yes, age verification is crucial when Uber Eats delivers alcohol. The delivery driver utilizes an ID checking feature within their app to ensure customers meet the legal drinking age.
To accept your alcohol delivery, you’ll need to show a valid form of identification, such as:
- A United States driver’s license
- A US or international passport
- A US military ID
- A US state or another government-issued ID
The ID should clearly display your name, age, and feature a photograph that resembles your current appearance. If for any reason your ID doesn’t pass the check, the alcohol will be returned to its point of purchase.
Additionally, customers must appear sober during the delivery. Drivers are trained to observe signs of intoxication, like slurred speech or balance issues, and can refuse delivery if they suspect the recipient is inebriated.
Pro Tip: If you’re in the armed forces, make sure to take advantage of the Uber military discount offered by the rideshare giant.
Using delivery apps isn’t always perfect. Sometimes, you’ll have messages like this show up when trying to place your order.
Two possibilities could be happening when you get this error message:
- You’re in an area that doesn’t do alcohol deliveries
- You have an application error
Whenever ordering alcohol from Uber, you’ll need to check and ensure that the area you’re in allows for alcohol delivery. Some states have outright banned the delivery of alcohol. Rules can also change from county to county or city to city.
If you’re not in an area that bans alcohol delivery, you might be having an application or connection issue.
Resetting the app and your mobile device will clear out any memory or cash issues that you’re having. Once you reset the device, try placing the order again.
If resetting the device doesn’t work, you can always contact Uber’s customer support to see if they can help you find the issue.
Uber’s Expansion: The Drizly Acquisition
In February 2021, Uber Eats broadened its delivery capabilities by acquiring Drizly, a premier alcohol delivery service, for $1.1 billion.
This move complements Uber’s ongoing efforts to diversify and expand its delivery services during the pandemic.
With both Uber Eats and Drizly under the same umbrella, it prompts the question: which platform is best for alcohol delivery?
While Uber Eats offers a range of meals and drinks, Drizly’s specialization in alcoholic beverages ensures a wider selection and expertise in that niche.
The Difference Between Drizly and Uber Eats
Boston-based Drizly specializes exclusively in alcohol delivery, often completing orders within an hour and servicing every U.S. state where such deliveries are legal. They boast a vast selection of drinks and cater even to business events.
While both Drizly and Uber Eats deliver alcohol swiftly, Drizly offers a broader alcohol range and can be accessed via app or desktop. In contrast, Uber Eats requires its app.
For solely alcohol orders, especially large events, Drizly is preferable. However, for pairing drinks with meals, Uber Eats is ideal. Both guarantee top-notch alcohol delivery services.
Can I Order Pickup from Alcohol Restaurants Near Me with Uber Eats?
Yes, you can order alcohol for pickup from nearby restaurants using Uber Eats by selecting the “pickup” option at checkout.
This approach saves app storage and eliminates delivery fees, while also minimizing contact with others, which is advantageous during the pandemic.
How Do I Know Which Alcohol Restaurants Near Me Are Open Late?
Ordering alcohol is popular at nighttime, with many options available late. However, certain states, like New York, restrict alcohol purchases after specific hours.
Check the Uber Eats app or online for restaurant/store hours. Order in advance to give them ample preparation time.
Can You Get Cigarettes from Uber Eats?
Currently, Uber Eats does not offer delivery for cigarettes or tobacco products. However, you can still get cigarettes delivered to your door through select retailers and other delivery services like Postmates, provided you are over 21 and have a valid ID.
Does Uber Eats Scan Your ID for Alcohol Orders?
Yes, Uber Eats requires you to scan both sides of your ID through the app for alcohol orders, verifying legal age and reducing the need for delivery cancellations. Despite the pre-scan, you must still present your ID to the delivery driver upon arrival.
Wrapping Up
Uber Eats has been working towards becoming an alcohol delivery service in addition to its normal operations. While this is a recent change, it has allowed people already using Uber Eats to expand their options when ordering in.
If you live in an area where alcohol delivery services run, then Uber Eats is now one of the options you can consider.
Related: Does Grubhub deliver alcohol?
