A new report from Monash University and Turning Point has found that four in 10 Victorian consumers surveyed had received an alcohol delivery while intoxicated, despite reforms introduced in 2022 to reduce harm from online alcohol delivery.
The study, commissioned by the Department of Health in consultation with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, surveyed 149 consumers and conducted qualitative interviews with a further 15 to understand their experiences of alcohol home delivery.
In 2022, reforms to the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 introduced new requirements for alcohol home delivery. These included a ban on deliveries after 11pm, age confirmation at the time of ordering, ID checks for first-time customers at the point of delivery, a prohibition on delivering to people who are intoxicated or appear intoxicated, a requirement that same-day orders not be left at an unattended address, and a requirement that licensees keep records of any failed deliveries.
Commissioned as part of a joint review of those reforms, the study set out to understand who is using alcohol home delivery, why, and how they have experienced the reforms, including whether the measures are being implemented and whether they are changing consumer behaviour.
Key findings from the report include:
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Since the reforms were introduced, consumers reported being more likely to be asked for identification (63 per cent) and proof of age (39 per cent) and less likely to have alcohol left unattended on their doorstep (43 per cent).
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40 per cent of respondents reported receiving alcohol while intoxicated, and a small proportion had received deliveries after 11pm (9 per cent) or had same-day orders left at an unattended address (16 per cent).
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Many consumers were drinking at levels above the National Health and Medical Research Council (NMHRC) recommended guidelines, with 35 per cent consuming more than four standard drinks in a sitting at least weekly.
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Most consumers were unaware the reforms existed. Once informed, they were generally supportive but sceptical about enforcement.
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Participants raised concerns about the ability and safety of delivery drivers being expected to assess intoxication.
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Among the 21 delivery drivers surveyed, 75 per cent reported keeping records of failed deliveries to minors, but only 25 per cent kept a log of deliveries refused due to intoxication.
Associate Professor Bosco Rowland from Turning Point and Monash University, said the findings show the reforms are having some effect but need more consistent implementation.
"Consumers told us they are now more likely to be asked for identification and less likely to have alcohol left unattended on their doorstep. These are encouraging signs that the reforms are working," Associate Professor Rowland said.
"But 40 per cent of respondents reported receiving alcohol while intoxicated, and a small proportion had received deliveries after 11pm. The reforms are not being consistently applied."
The report makes seven recommendations to strengthen the reforms. These include requiring NHMRC low-risk drinking guidelines and contact details for support services such as DirectLine to be included with each delivery and displayed prominently on ordering platforms.
It also recommends that customers confirm they understand the delivery laws before checkout, that alcohol promotions be restricted at the point of sale and for abandoned carts, and that delivery drivers be trained in Responsible Service of Alcohol.
The report also calls for mystery shopper programs to test compliance, ongoing monitoring of the reforms, and potential further regulation if loopholes are identified.
Associate Professor Rowland said the rapid growth of alcohol home delivery makes consistent implementation of the reforms more urgent.
"More and more people are ordering alcohol to their door. Strong regulation and consistent implementation are essential," Associate Professor Rowland said.
Read the report: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/research/identify/alcohol-ordering-and-delivery-reforms-summary-report
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