The Rise of Alcohol Delivery During the Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, countries went into lockdown, bars and restaurants closed, and people were confined to their homes. This sudden change in daily life left many struggling to cope. Unfortunately, some turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including increased alcohol use.

To support struggling businesses and meet consumer demand, home delivery of alcohol became widely available. While this seemed like a convenient solution, it's important to examine the broader public health implications.

The Surge in Alcohol Home Delivery

During the pandemic, home alcohol delivery services expanded dramatically. This service involves bars, restaurants, or retailers delivering alcohol directly to consumers' homes, either using their own staff or third-party services like DoorDash or Uber Eats.

Even before COVID-19, alcohol delivery was growing in popularity across the United States, but the pandemic accelerated this trend significantly.

Data from the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals striking changes:

• In January 2020, 21 states allowed retailers to deliver alcohol to homes
• By January 2022, this number had increased to 38 states
• States permitting restaurants or bars to deliver alcohol jumped from 23 to 39

Rising Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking

Early in the pandemic, alcohol sales spiked dramatically. Initially, it wasn't clear whether this reflected stockpiling due to supply chain concerns or actual increased consumption. Further research revealed concerning patterns.

A May 2020 survey of U.S. adults showed that people who used alcohol delivery services:

• Reported higher overall alcohol consumption
• Drank alcohol more days per week
• Consumed more drinks per drinking session
• Were more likely to engage in weekly binge drinking

Binge drinking is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as drinking enough to raise blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 g/dL.

With typical restraints on drinking—such as needing to drive home or go to work—removed during lockdowns, and pandemic-related stress increasing, there was significant risk of escalating alcohol consumption and related harms.

Overlooked Public Health Consequences

While expanded alcohol delivery laws helped businesses survive, public health considerations may have been underestimated. Elyse Grossman, a social and behavioral sciences administrator at the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, emphasizes that public health should carry more weight when states consider policies that increase alcohol access.

Researchers also express concern about how easier alcohol delivery might affect underage drinking. The convenience of home delivery could make alcohol more accessible to minors, especially since delivery drivers may not consistently check IDs. This area requires urgent research.

Moving Forward Mindfully

These findings are preliminary and need confirmation through peer-reviewed research, but they highlight how well-intentioned policies can have unintended consequences.

While alcohol delivery provided business support and consumer convenience during the pandemic, it may have increased health risks. Future policy decisions should balance business and consumer interests with public health considerations.

On a personal level, we can all be more mindful of our alcohol consumption. When home delivery seems tempting, pause and ask: "Is this what I really need right now?" Often, we're seeking relief from stress or boredom, in which case alcohol-free alternatives might serve us better.

Developing healthier coping strategies takes practice, but over time it becomes natural. Here's to building healthier habits!