Instacart, one of the largest online grocery delivery services in North America, has been making shopping more convenient for millions of customers. However, you may have noticed that sometimes, Instacart won’t deliver alcohol. The reasons behind this are numerous and complex, ranging from regulatory compliance to company policies. In this article, we will delve deep into why Instacart doesn’t deliver alcohol in certain areas or under specific circumstances.
Instacart doesn’t deliver alcohol in certain areas or under specific circumstances due to a complex set of local, state, and federal laws regulating the sale and delivery of alcohol. These laws aim to ensure responsible consumption and prevent the sale of alcohol to underage or visibly intoxicated individuals. Instacart’s alcohol delivery policy is dictated by these laws and varies by state and region. To check the availability of alcohol delivery in your area, you can use the Instacart app or website.
The Complexities of Alcohol Delivery
The sale and delivery of alcohol are regulated by a complex web of local, state, and federal laws. These regulations are designed to ensure responsible consumption and prevent the sale of alcohol to underage or visibly intoxicated individuals. As such, Instacart’s alcohol delivery policy is dictated by these laws and varies by state and region.
For example, in states like California, Connecticut, and Florida, Instacart does deliver alcohol. However, in other states, such as Nebraska and Michigan, customers can expect to have access to alcohol delivery through the Instacart marketplace in the coming months. To check the availability of alcohol delivery in your area, you can use the Instacart app or website.
Instacart’s Alcohol Delivery Policy
Instacart has a stringent policy for alcohol delivery, which is designed to comply with all legal requirements:
- Age Verification: Customers must be 21 years or older to order alcohol and provide an approved photo ID showing their birthdate at delivery.
- Delivery Restrictions: Alcohol may never be delivered to a retail business or college campus, and alcohol delivery orders can’t exceed 400 pounds.
- Special Restrictions: Manual ID entry isn’t available for orders in California, or for Costco or Walmart orders nationwide. Green cards can’t be scanned and must be manually entered.
- Valid Forms of Identification: Instacart accepts United States-issued driver’s license with photo, United States-issued military ID, State-issued identification card, United States-issued passport, and Green card. However, Instacart doesn’t accept green cards for orders in California, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, or for Costco or Walmart orders nationwide.
- Compliance Checks: When a cart or order contains alcohol, the request goes to the compliance service, which identifies the region and runs the compliance check.
Alternatives for Alcohol Delivery
For customers who live in areas where Instacart doesn’t deliver alcohol, there are several alternatives available. One option is AlcoholDelivery.com, which offers alcohol delivery in certain areas. Another alternative is Karma Services, which partners with M&R Liquor in Amarillo, Texas, to provide fast, free delivery of alcohol. Goody Goody Liquor also offers 1-hour alcohol delivery services in select areas near their locations.
The Future of Alcohol Delivery with Instacart
Instacart plans to continue expanding its alcohol delivery service to more states as it is permitted. The service is expected to be available in Nebraska and Michigan in the coming months. Instacart will also be working with existing and new retail partners to add alcohol inventory to their Instacart storefront throughout the year.
In conclusion, while Instacart does deliver alcohol in certain areas and under specific conditions, there are legal and policy restrictions that may prevent it from doing so in all locations or situations. Customers should check the availability of alcohol delivery in their area using the Instacart app or website, and consider alternatives if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order alcohol from Instacart and pick it up myself?
Yes, in some locations, Instacart allows for alcohol pickup. You must provide a valid ID at the time of pickup.
Can I use a foreign ID to verify my age for alcohol delivery on Instacart?
No, Instacart only accepts United States-issued driver’s license with photo, United States-issued military ID, State-issued identification card, United States-issued passport, and Green card as valid forms of identification.
What happens if I’m not home to receive my alcohol delivery from Instacart?
If you’re not home or unable to provide a valid ID, the alcohol items will be returned to the store and you’ll be refunded, but you may still be charged a delivery fee.
Does Instacart deliver alcohol on holidays?
Instacart’s alcohol delivery service depends on local liquor laws and store hours, so availability may vary on holidays.
Can I order alcohol from Instacart as a gift for someone else?
Yes, you can order alcohol as a gift for someone else, but the recipient must be 21 or older and present a valid ID at the time of delivery.
Does Instacart deliver alcohol late at night?
Instacart’s delivery hours are based on the operating hours of the stores they partner with. Therefore, if the store sells alcohol and is open late at night, it may be possible to have alcohol delivered during those hours. However, local laws may also impact this.
