HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) are collaborating on an enforcement initiative to prevent the illegal delivery of alcohol to minors.
The grant-funded initiative tests whether minors can successfully receive an alcohol delivery from package stores, restaurants, and grocery stores, through third-party delivery services like DoorDash, InstaCart and more. The project is funded by a $20,000 grant from the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association (NLLEA), to assess compliance during alcohol deliveries, including deliveries by third-party services.
“Delivery services have become increasingly popular since the pandemic, but this is not a loophole for minors to buy alcohol,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “You must be 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, whether you’re at a bar or package store or it’s being delivered to your house. It is the responsibility of delivery drivers to verify the age of anyone they are delivering alcohol to, and we expect restaurants and third-party delivery services to take the privilege of offering alcohol deliveries seriously by doing their part to prevent sales to minors.”
“Protecting public health and safety is our highest priority, especially when it comes to minors,” said DCP Liquor Control Director Caitlin Anderson. “The Liquor Control team continues to work closely with our partners at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to test compliance and ensure public safety by preventing alcohol sales to underage and intoxicated individuals.”
“As alcohol delivery becomes more routine, it is important that we do not lose sight of the safeguards that protect our youth,” said DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “This initiative reinforces that preventing underage access to alcohol is a shared responsibility – one that includes retailers, drivers, and the platforms that connect them to consumers. At DMHAS, we are committed to doing our part to ensure that public safety keeps pace with convenience.”
Before completing a delivery, drivers are required to check the customer’s license. Third-party delivery apps usually require the driver to scan the customer’s ID. If the ID is detected as fraudulent or the customer is underage, the driver must return the product to the merchant.
Delivery companies, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Instacart, must hold an in-state transporter’s permit through the Liquor Control Division. Before accepting orders with alcohol, drivers must complete a training compliance module through the app.
State law requires to-go drink orders from restaurants and cafes to be placed in a sealed container and accompanied by a food order from that location. Alcohol delivered from package stores must be sealed in the original packaging.
Anyone with concerns or complaints about a liquor permittee in the State of Connecticut is encouraged to contact DCP’s Liquor Control Division via email at dcp.liquorcontrol@ct.gov, or at (860) 713-6210.