Research shows intoxicated people still ordering liquor delivery 

Sean Cao

5th Jun 2026

Four in 10 consumers in Victoria had received an alcohol delivery while intoxicated, despite previous reforms designed to reduce harm from online alcohol delivery, research from Monash University and Turning Point shows.

The study, commissioned by the Department of Health, surveyed 149 consumers and conducted interviews with a further 15 to understand their experiences of alcohol home delivery. 

According to the data, 40 per cent of respondents reported receiving alcohol while intoxicated, reflecting the lack of consistency in the implementation of the Liquor Control Act reforms.

The reforms, introduced in 2022, included a prohibition on delivering to people who are intoxicated or appear intoxicated, a ban on deliveries after 11pm, age confirmation at the time of ordering, ID checks for first-time customers at the point of delivery, and a requirement that same-day orders not be left at an unattended address.

The study also reveals that 9 per cent of respondents had received deliveries after 11pm, while 16 per cent had same-day orders left at an unattended address.

These are encouraging signs that the reforms are working, as many consumers reported being more likely to be asked for identification (63 per cent) and proof of age (39 per cent). 

Associate Professor Bosco Rowland from Turning Point and Monash University said the findings show the reforms are having some effect, but need to be more consistent amid the rapid growth of alcohol home delivery.

“More and more people are ordering alcohol to their door. Strong regulation and consistent implementation are essential,” Rowland said.

The report makes several recommendations to strengthen the reforms, including adding low-risk drinking guidelines to each delivery, requiring customers to confirm they understand the delivery laws before checkout, and restricting alcohol promotions at the point of sale and for abandoned carts.

The report also calls for mystery shopper programs to test compliance, monitoring of the reforms, and further regulation if loopholes are identified.

• Further reading: Undercover inspectors probe same day alcohol deliveries.