Does Uber Eats Deliver Alcohol in 2024? Your Complete Guide
Food delivery apps have exploded in popularity, with the sector expected to grow over 11% annually through 2025. Many companies now allow customers to order beer, wine, and cocktails alongside meals for convenient one-stop delivery. But does this include market leader Uber Eats?
In short – yes, Uber Eats does offer alcohol delivery in many regions, but with limitations. Read this 2023 guide to understand Uber Eats‘ alcohol policies, availability in your area, legal delivery requirements, and more.
Alcohol Delivery Market Growth
The combination of food and alcohol delivery is taking off:
- 25% of adults have ordered alcohol pickup or delivery in the past 6 months according to 2021 data.
- Revenue from alcohol e-commerce and delivery grew over 400% from 2019-2020.
- Uber Eats in particular saw a spike in alcohol delivery orders in 2020-2021:
| Year | Total Alcohol Orders | % Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 750,000+ | 300% |
| 2021 | 4 million+ | 450% |
Expanding alcohol delivery provided vital revenue streams to restaurants impacted by dining room closures during COVID-19. Many eateries plan to continue takeout cocktails as consumer appetite grows for convenient, one-stop meal and drink ordering.
Where Can You Order Alcohol via Uber Eats?
Since acquiring leading alcohol e-retailer Drizly, Uber Eats has focused aggressively on alcohol delivery reach. They‘re currently operational across around 100 cities and metro regions concentrated in:
- Florida
- Arizona
- California
- Texas
- Ontario, Canada
Plans are underway for further expansion, with Uber Eats applying for alcohol delivery licenses wherever possible. Use the Uber Eats app and enter your location to see if alcohol delivery is available in your city.
Requirements to Order Alcohol on Uber Eats
Uber Eats alcohol delivery involves clear regulations to ensure safety and responsible consumption:
Age Verification
- Upon delivery, drivers verify your ID matches the Uber Eats account information. Valid government-issued IDs include driver‘s licenses and passports.
- Some areas require scanning your ID barcode through the app.
Order Size Limits
- Most regions limit delivery alcohol volume – usually 1-2 six packs of beer or one standard (750ml) bottle of wine. Regulations vary by city and restaurant.
- Some eateries allow small mix-and-match cocktail orders alongside food.
Banned Locations
Drivers cannot deliver to schools, college campuses, or other venues where drinking would be illegal. If your delivery location violates policy, your order will be canceled with refunds provided.
Can Drivers Opt Out of Alcohol Delivery?
Yes – those signing up to deliver with Uber Eats can toggle alcohol trips on or off in the app. To qualify, you must:
- Be over the legal drinking age in your state.
- Pass enhanced background checks specific to alcohol orders.
- Verify you have necessary permits/licenses for transporting alcohol in your vehicle.
Uber provides delivery bags designed specifically to carry drinks securely and upright. Drivers must confirm no open containers and intact sealing before completing hand-offs.
The Bottom Line
Through strategic acquisitions and licenses, Uber Eats now offers beer, wine, cider, spirits and cocktail delivery alongside favorite takeout meals. However, availability depends heavily on your location and a variety of alcohol transportation regulations.
Check the Uber Eats app to see if alcohol delivery is operational in your city. Where available, enjoy responsible, convenient access to drinks from local restaurants and retailers via Uber Eats.
