Fulfill Your Requirements for Delivering Alcohol With Uber

Written by Staff Writer

Home-delivery services have become increasingly integral to modern lifestyles, and consumers are embracing the ease of having their favorite products delivered to their doorstep. Uber, one of the leading platforms in ride-hailing and delivery services worldwide, has expanded its services to include alcohol transportation in locations where regulations allow. In fact, the global alcohol delivery market is expected to reach about 67 billion dollars by 2028.

Requirements for delivering alcohol vary depending on location. There is no national alcohol delivery safety training requirement, but such training may be mandatory in your area. If so, we'll explain how our online alcohol seller-server training can help.

This guide explores the nuances of delivering liquor with Uber Eats, including the driver requirements, responsible service tips and other considerations. Find out how to navigate the world of alcoholic beverage delivery, whether you're a current Uber driver looking to expand your services or someone considering joining the platform for the first time.

Basic Driver Requirements

Although it is not required to obtain an alcohol delivery certificate for Uber drivers, it is mandatory to sign up as an Uber driver to begin delivering liquor.

To deliver, it's crucial to understand Uber's driver requirements as well as your local alcohol delivery laws. These requirements may vary depending on your location, so it's essential to research and familiarize yourself with the specific rules in your area.

Uber requires drivers to adhere to several key requirements:

Age restrictions: You must meet the minimum age requirements for your state and city to become a delivery driver. Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine the age requirements in your area.
Provide proof of driver's license: A valid in-state driver's license is mandatory, ensuring you're legally allowed to operate a vehicle. Uber generally requires at least one year of license possession and at least three years for individuals under 25 years old.
Complete a background check: Uber conducts background checks on all potential drivers to ensure they meet safety standards and have no history of criminal offenses that would disqualify them from the hiring process.
Meet vehicle standards: Your vehicle must meet Uber's standards for safety and reliability. This may include factors such as vehicle age, condition and insurance coverage.
Have insurance: Your vehicle must have appropriate insurance coverage to protect you, your passengers and your car in the event of an accident.

In addition to these basic driver requirements, you are expected to comply with all alcohol delivery regulations, including age verification procedures, permitted hours and any licenses required by local authorities.

How to Promote Responsible Alcohol Service

Uber has specific delivery guidelines to ensure compliance with local regulations and the safety of both drivers and customers. But those guidelines alone are not always enough. A 2023 study found that one in four Americans who purchased alcohol online did not have their IDs checked upon delivery.

Safety training is crucial for responsible alcohol service because it helps prevent overconsumption, minimizes liability risks and prevents underage access, among other benefits.

Below is an overview of those guidelines and the typical transportation process.

Basic Guidelines

Verify age: Always verify the recipient's age upon delivery. Ensure the recipient is of legal drinking age according to local laws and regulations.
Check IDs: Require the recipient to provide a valid form of identification to verify their age. Acceptable forms of ID may include a driver's license, passport or government-issued identification card.
No sales to intoxicated individuals: Refrain from delivering alcoholic beverages to individuals who appear to be intoxicated. Features can include slurred speech, loss of balance, belligerent actions and more. It is your responsibility to ensure that adult beverages are delivered responsibly.
Adhere to delivery hours: Only deliver during the designated hours permitted by local regulations. Be aware of any restrictions or limitations on liquor distribution in your area.
Secure packaging: Ensure orders are securely packaged to prevent breakage or spillage during transport. Use appropriate packaging materials and handle orders with care. If an alcohol container breaks during delivery, you can end the trip in your Driver app and select “item damaged.” You'll be prompted with a few questions and won't be charged for the damage.

To ensure you're prepared to responsibly deliver alcohol, sign up for our online alcohol seller-server training to increase your knowledge. Learn how to check IDs, identify intoxication, safely refuse sales and more.

The course will help you build skills as an alcohol delivery driver that can help protect you from the consequences of illegal sales and potentially prevent you from losing your job. After completing the course, you'll also be qualified to sell alcoholic beverages in settings such as grocery stores, bars, restaurants, events and more.

Steps of the Delivery Process

Accept an order: Receive requests through the Uber Eats app. Review the order details, including the pickup location, address and any special instructions provided by the customer.
Pick up the order: Proceed to the designated pickup location to collect the order. Verify the contents of the order to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Navigate to the customer's address: Use the Uber Eats app's navigation feature to navigate to the customer's address. Follow the provided route and be mindful of traffic conditions and road safety.
Arrive at the location: Once at the customer's address, contact the customer to notify them of your arrival. Wait for the customer to come to collect their order or deliver it directly to their doorstep, by their preference.
Verify age and ID: Ask the customer to provide a valid form of identification to verify their age. Check the ID to ensure the customer is of legal drinking age according to local regulations.
Complete the request: Once you verify the customer's age, hand over their order. Confirm the completion of the delivery within the app to finalize the transaction.
Return to availability: After completing the request, return to availability within the app to accept new inquiries or continue driving as needed.

Your safety is important throughout the process. If you encounter a situation where you suspect the customer is intoxicated, using a fake ID, underage, or if you feel unsafe, you have the right to refuse the sale and terminate the order immediately. In such cases, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement if the situation escalates or if assistance is needed to ensure your safety and compliance with the law.

Get Your Alcohol Server Certificate

Ready to capitalize on the alcohol delivery market? Ensure safe and responsible deliveries by enrolling in our online seller server program.

Our course covers essential topics such as local regulations, responsible serving practices and risk management strategies, preparing you to confidently navigate the delivery process. Don't risk legal liabilities or compromise customer safety — invest in your education and join us in shaping the future of alcohol delivery today.