The restaurant industry is one that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over a hundred thousand eateries closing their doors for good since the virus hit last year. Finding new ways to keep restaurants open has been a top priority for many, and the latest solution is to offer alcohol delivery. If this sounds strange, keep reading for what you need to know about cocktail and alcohol delivery and whether you should consider it for your restaurant.

Why Alcohol Delivery?

It’s widely known that alcohol sales are high-profit, especially cocktails. With in-restaurant eating temporarily banned in many places, customers are turning to food delivery apps. To increase revenue, restaurants have been pushing for allowing alcohol delivery to customers. It seems like a win-win solution for restaurants wanting to remain in business and customers looking for convenience and social distancing during the pandemic.

So far, 32 states have determined that restaurants should be able to offer wine, beer, and cocktails to-go, and some are pushing for that allowance to be made permanent, even after the pandemic ends.

Because offering alcohol delivery is a pretty new concept, adding it to your online or delivery app menu will draw attention from customers looking to bring a fun bar experience home since going out isn’t currently an option.

So, What’s the Problem?

One of the biggest issues affecting whether or not you should offer cocktail and alcohol delivery is your local legislation and licensing. Some states and counties are reducing alcohol licensing fees during this time, and some are waiving them altogether. Other states may face strict regulations about how alcohol delivery can be carried out.

Locales allowing cocktail delivery will likely have specifications regarding how the beverages are transported. Some places may demand to-go drinks be transported in the trunk of a vehicle. There may also be regulations on what the containers and packaging must be like.

There is also the issue of being unable to control who is ordering alcohol; there is no way to determine if the order is coming from an underaged person. Many legislators are worried that this may encourage underage drinking and substance abuse.

They’re also concerned about alcohol consumption in general, not just by minors. Making alcohol easier to access brings about fears that alcohol abuse will be on the rise.

Is Cocktail and Alcohol Delivery Right For Your Restaurant?

Deciding whether or not alcohol delivery is right for you may take a bit of research. You’ll need to look into licenses and logistics to determine if a profit can be made off of these alcohol sales or if the offer will drive more customers to your restaurant.

Still not sure if it’s right for you? Contact Avery Restaurant Consulting today to discuss the feasibility of branching out with alcohol to-go and delivery sales!