Buying Beer Online: Is It Possible?

The ability to buy beer online depends on where you live. In the US, for example, it is illegal to have alcohol delivered to a private residence in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah. In other states, such as Mississippi, the law is less clear. Beer delivery services include Drizly, Saucey, and Minibar, which all offer speedy local delivery. For those with more time to spare, online retailers such as FreshDirect, Craft City, and Craft Shack offer a wider range of beer, including craft beers, but may take longer to deliver.

Beer delivery services: Uber Eats, MiniBar, and Drizly

Yes, you can buy beer online and have it delivered to your door. There are several beer delivery services, including Uber Eats, MiniBar Delivery, and Drizly. Each of these services offers a convenient way to get your favourite beers without leaving your home.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is a well-known food delivery service that also offers alcohol delivery in select locations. They have partnered with local stores to provide a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer. The availability of beer delivery through Uber Eats may vary depending on your region, so it's essential to check your specific location.

MiniBar Delivery

MiniBar Delivery is a dedicated alcohol delivery service that partners with local stores to bring you a wide selection of wine, liquor, and beer. They offer a user-friendly mobile app, available on iOS and Android, that allows you to place orders with just a few taps. MiniBar's website highlights their commitment to providing a seamless and convenient shopping experience for their customers.

Drizly

Drizly was an alcohol delivery service, but it is no longer in operation. However, they have partnered with Uber Eats to continue serving their customers' alcohol delivery needs. You can now find your favourite Drizly retailers and products available through the Uber Eats platform.

Craftshack

Craftshack is an online retailer that offers a wide variety of craft beers available for delivery. They have an extensive selection of beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and more. Craftshack also offers various beer gift boxes, cocktail kits, and spirits, making it a one-stop shop for beverage enthusiasts.

Overall, these beer delivery services provide a convenient and efficient way to enjoy your favourite beers from the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks or taps on your device, you can have a wide assortment of beers delivered right to your doorstep.

Online retailers: Craftshack, Hopsy, and FreshDirect

Craftshack

Craftshack offers a wide selection of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, sour beers, and gluten-free options. They have a variety of well-known and local brands, such as Belching Beaver Brewery, Half Acre Beer Company, and Anchorage Brewing. Craftshack provides speedy delivery and also offers gift boxes with a variety of beers.

Hopsy

Hopsy is a beer delivery service that provides fresh draft beer right to your home. They offer a subscription service, delivering mini-kegs that hold 67 ounces of beer, which is about a 6-pack. Hopsy currently delivers to select states, including California, New York, and New Jersey.

FreshDirect

FreshDirect is a beer delivery service that offers a carefully curated collection of domestic, craft, and imported beers. They have a wide range of options, including IPAs, lagers, stouts, and ales, as well as non-alcoholic and gluten-free choices. FreshDirect delivers directly to your doorstep in New York City, making it convenient for those who want to avoid transporting heavy bottles and cases.

Beer subscription services: Beer of the Month Club, Tavour, and Craft Beer Kings

Beer subscription services are a great way to discover new beers and have them delivered right to your door. Here's a closer look at Beer of the Month Club, Tavour, and Craft Beer Kings:

Beer of the Month Club

Beer of the Month Club offers a range of subscription packages focused on quality, freshness, and variety. They have five distinct membership types, including the U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club, the U.S. and International Variety Beer Club, and the Hop-Heads Beer Club. Each shipment includes beer from different craft breweries, with various beer styles, brewery profiles, and tasting notes. Beer of the Month Club also offers discount codes and free gifts with certain orders.

Tavour

Tavour is a craft beer delivery service that provides access to beers from over 700 breweries. They offer a subscription model, allowing customers to see what beers are coming and skip any they don't want at no charge. Tavour is free to join and has a user-friendly app, making it convenient for customers to browse and order beers from their phone.

Craft Beer Kings

Craft Beer Kings offers exclusive monthly beer subscriptions, curating a handpicked selection of new and exciting beers from top breweries. They prioritise freshness and quality, sourcing the finest brews to ensure customers receive beers at their peak of flavour. Craft Beer Kings offers various subscription boxes, including IPA, Sour, Dark Beer, and Mixed Style boxes, allowing customers to craft their own monthly subscriptions based on their preferences.

These beer subscription services provide beer enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore different beers, discover new favourites, and enjoy the convenience of home delivery. With a range of options available, customers can choose the service that best suits their tastes and preferences.

Beer legality: Online beer sales are restricted in some US states

In the US, the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution grants each state and territory the power to regulate intoxicating liquors within their jurisdiction. As such, laws pertaining to the production, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol vary significantly across the country.

While wholesale shipping of liquor (from a distributor to a liquor store) has been legal for a long time, direct shipping of liquor (direct-to-consumer or D2C) is a recent development. Most US states and territories allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship alcohol directly to consumers, but it's usually restricted to wine rather than beer or spirits.

States that Allow Direct Shipment of All Spirits

There are only seven states (and one district) that allow beer, wine, and liquor to be directly shipped to their consumers:

District of Columbia

States that Allow Direct Shipment of Beer and Wine (but Not Spirits)

Eight states allow you to have beer and wine shipped to your home:

• Delaware
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Virginia

States that Allow Direct Shipment of "Wine Plus" (but Not Beer or Spirits)

Four states don't allow the direct shipment of beer and spirits, but they explicitly allow a few alcoholic beverages beyond wine:

• Connecticut and New Jersey (wine, mead, and cider)
• New Mexico (wine and cider)
• Arkansas (wine and mead, but the consumer must be physically present at the winery to make the purchase)

States with No Statutes Addressing Direct Shipment of Alcoholic Beverages

Three territories have no statutes addressing the direct shipment of alcoholic beverages:

• Guam
• Puerto Rico
• US Virgin Islands

States that Restrict Online Beer Sales

While laws are always changing, as of 2024, the following states have restrictions on online beer sales:

• Utah
• Alabama
• Oklahoma

States that Allow Online Beer Sales

The following states allow online beer sales, either directly to consumers or through third-party retailers:

• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.

Local delivery services: Saucey

Saucey is an alcohol delivery app that services several cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, Miami, Orlando, Houston, Austin, Seattle, and Tampa Bay. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Saucey offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, as well as mixers, snacks, ice, and party supplies. One of the standout features of the app is its fast delivery time, with the promise of delivering your order within an hour. There are no delivery fees or order minimums, and you can track your order in real time.

To use Saucey, simply download the app, create an account, add your desired items to your cart, and a courier will be on their way. Saucey accepts various payment methods, including Apple Pay, Android Pay, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and debit cards. All transactions are digital, and you must be over the age of 21 to order, with ID verification required.

Saucey is an ideal solution for those who want instant gratification and convenience when it comes to alcohol delivery. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, host a party, or send a gift, Saucey has you covered.

Frequently asked questions