Instacart Beer Buying: What You Need To Know

Yes, Instacart delivers beer, wine, and liquor to customers in select states across the U.S. The company has recently expanded its alcohol delivery services to reach more than 40 million households across the country. Customers can use the Instacart app or website to shop for their favourite alcoholic beverages from national, regional, and local grocers, as well as wine and liquor speciality stores. However, it is important to note that Instacart has strict policies for alcohol delivery, including ID checks and age verification upon delivery.

Beer delivery via Instacart

Overview

Instacart delivers beer, wine, and spirits to customers across the U.S. in as fast as one hour. The company has expanded its alcohol delivery service to reach more than 40 million households and is available from nearly one-third of its 300+ retail partners.

How it Works

Using the Instacart app or website, customers can shop for their favourite beer, wine, or liquor from national, regional, and local grocers, as well as wine and liquor speciality stores. Customers can also add extras like mixers and soda to their orders. Once an order is placed, Instacart connects the customer with a personal shopper in their area to shop and deliver their order. Customers can track their order in progress and communicate with their shopper via the Instacart app or website.

Availability

Alcohol delivery via Instacart is currently available in select locations across California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. The company plans to continue rolling out alcohol delivery to customers in more states as it is permitted.

Cost

Delivery fees for alcohol orders start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35. Fees vary for one-hour deliveries, club store deliveries, and deliveries under $35. Service fees vary based on factors such as location and the number and types of items in the cart. Orders containing alcohol have a separate service fee. Tipping is optional but highly encouraged, with 100% of the tip going directly to the shopper.

ID Requirements

Customers must be 21 or older to order alcohol via Instacart and are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of delivery. Accepted forms of ID include a United States-issued driver's license, military ID, state-issued identification card, or passport.

Beer delivery cost

Instacart offers beer delivery services in select locations across the United States. The cost of beer delivery on Instacart depends on several factors, including delivery time, order value, and location. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

Delivery Fees:

• Delivery fees for beer orders on Instacart start at $3.99 for same-day deliveries over $35.
• For orders under $35, the delivery fee may vary and is typically higher.
• One-hour deliveries and club store deliveries also have different and usually higher fees.
• Instacart+ members can enjoy $0 delivery fees on every order over $35.

Service Fees:

• Service fees for beer orders are variable and subject to change.
• These fees depend on factors such as your location and the number and types of items in your cart.
• Orders containing beer or other alcoholic beverages generally have a separate service fee.

Tipping:

• Tipping your Instacart shopper is optional but highly encouraged as a way to show appreciation for their service.
• 100% of your tip goes directly to the shopper who delivers your beer order.

Other Costs:

• In addition to the delivery and service fees, you may also need to consider the cost of the beer itself and any applicable taxes.
• Instacart may charge bottle deposit fees for beer deliveries in certain locations.

It is important to note that beer delivery through Instacart is subject to local regulations and availability. You must be at least 21 years old to order beer, and a valid photo ID is required upon delivery.

ID requirements for beer delivery

Instacart offers beer, wine, and spirits for delivery or pickup in select locations across the U.S. Customers must be 21 or older to order alcohol and are required to present a valid government ID at the time of delivery. The ID must be an approved photo ID that shows the customer's birth date.

The following forms of ID are accepted for alcohol deliveries or pickup orders:

• United States-issued driver's license with photo
• United States-issued military ID
• State-issued identification card
• United States-issued passport

Please note that Instacart does not accept passports for Costco or Walmart orders nationwide. Additionally, manual ID entry is not available for California orders or Costco or Walmart orders across the U.S.

It is important to have your ID ready when the Instacart shopper arrives, as they will typically scan your ID at the drop-off. They may also manually enter your information in some cases, but this method is not available in all states or for certain retailers.

In addition to providing a valid ID, customers must not be visibly intoxicated to receive alcohol deliveries. Instacart shoppers are trained to follow strict policies and regulations regarding alcohol delivery and will only deliver to recipients who meet the age and sobriety requirements.

Restrictions on beer delivery

Beer delivery is a complex issue in the US, with varying rules and regulations across different states. While beer can be delivered in most states, there are a few states with serious restrictions or a complete ban on beer delivery. Here are the key restrictions to be aware of:

State-by-State Variations

The majority of alcohol shipping regulations are set at the state level, and there are notable differences in the rules for beer delivery across the US. Alabama, Utah, Kentucky, and Mississippi are the four states that outright do not allow beer or alcohol delivery. In these states, the delivery of alcohol, including beer, is strictly prohibited, with no exceptions.

However, some states, like Delaware and Rhode Island, have more nuanced restrictions. In Delaware, you cannot deliver alcohol to customers, but there is an exception for shipping. If you purchase alcohol from a store or restaurant, they are permitted to ship it directly to your house, as long as you are a Delaware resident and the recipient of the alcohol. Rhode Island has similar rules, allowing residents to purchase pre-packaged alcohol from craft alcohol businesses and have it shipped to their homes.

ID and Age Verification

A critical aspect of beer delivery is age verification. All beer deliveries require the signature and valid photo identification of a person who is at least 21 years old. Instacart, for example, requires customers to be over the age of 21 and present a valid government ID, such as a driver's license, military ID, state-issued ID, or passport, at the time of delivery.

Limitations on Additional Orders

Another restriction to note is that, once an order has been placed, additional alcohol typically cannot be added to the cart. This is a standard practice for beer delivery services, including Instacart. Therefore, customers must ensure they have everything they need in their initial order.

Refusal to Deliver to Intoxicated Individuals

Beer delivery services, including Instacart, will not deliver alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated. This is a standard policy to ensure responsible alcohol consumption and prevent any potential issues.

Shipping Costs and Timing

While not a legal restriction, the cost of shipping beer can be a significant factor. Shipping beer is generally expensive due to the weight and fragility of the bottles, with ground shipping costs ranging from $20 to $35. Additionally, ground shipping can expose beer to extreme temperatures for several days.

Dry Counties and Local Regulations

In certain states, like Kentucky, there are dry counties where the sale of alcohol is prohibited altogether. Therefore, deliveries are banned both within and outside of the state in these specific counties.

In conclusion, while beer delivery is available in most states, it is essential to be aware of the specific restrictions and regulations in your state or delivery area. These restrictions are in place to ensure legal compliance, promote responsible drinking, and provide a safe and efficient delivery experience for all involved.

Alternatives to Instacart for beer delivery

Yes, you can buy beer on Instacart. However, there are several other apps that deliver beer and other alcoholic beverages. Here are some alternatives to Instacart for beer delivery:

Drizly

Drizly is a Boston-based alcohol and beer delivery app that serves customers in select locations across the United States. It works by allowing you to explore multiple liquor stores in your area, place your order, and have it delivered to your doorstep in under an hour. Drizly also offers same-day delivery and accepts credit and debit cards as payment.

Saucey

Saucey is another popular alcohol and beer delivery app, known for its speed. It offers delivery in as little as 30 minutes in a few large U.S. cities, including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. If you live outside these areas, you can still enjoy two-day shipping on your favourite alcoholic beverages.

GoPuff

GoPuff is a delivery app that offers not just food, alcohol, and beer, but also a range of other products like cleaning supplies, over-the-counter drugs, electronics, and baby essentials. The best part? They're open till 2 a.m., and their delivery fee is a mere $1.95. GoPuff also offers a membership program called FAM, which provides complimentary food and beverage delivery for a small monthly fee.

DoorDash

DoorDash is one of the most popular food, alcohol, and beer delivery apps. It allows you to browse and shortlist your favourite liquor delivery options and track or plan your delivery. You can have alcoholic beverages delivered to your door by restaurants, merchants, brewers, and other businesses. The first order is free of any delivery charges.

Swill

With Swill, you can order your favourite wine, spirits, or beer and even try something new. The app offers a wide selection of mixers, juices, and garnishes to accompany your drinks, allowing you to become a mixologist at home. Swill connects you to local, on-demand deliveries, and some establishments offer delivery in less than 60 minutes.

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery has made over 2 million deliveries and offers a vast range of alternatives to choose from. You can buy wine, whiskey, and beer with just a few clicks, and they offer competitive prices and a wide variety of options. Local liquor stores collaborate with Minibar, and your order may be delivered in as little as 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions