Alcohol delivery plan scrutinized
<div class="Content"><p class="indent">The possibility of alcohol being delivered to your home could be a reality at some point. But it has to go through some hurdles before state lawmakers will reconsider it.</p><p class="indent">The idea has its supporters and critics. Some see it as a financial benefit for restaurants and other related businesses. Others have concerns about making sure alcohol won’t end up in the hands of minors.</p><p class="indent">During the past legislative session, lawmakers rejected an effort to let customers buy wine or beer with dinner through Waitr, a locally-based food delivery app.</p><p class="indent">Deliveries would have been limited to alcohol that was factory-sealed. Also, delivery drivers would have to take vendor training and check customer IDs to make sure they could legally buy alcohol.</p><p class="indent">Now a task force is further researching the matter and hearing from those in restaurants, grocery and convenience stores and other businesses.</p><p class="indent">The panel, which meets monthly, heard earlier this month from representatives from Waitr and Instacart, an online grocery delivery company.</p><p class="indent">Another concern involves permits and taxing. According to the Advocate, Julius Meaux, with Waitr, said they have “zero objection to being regulated” and want to follow the steps outlined by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.</p><p class="indent">Other states already have apps that deliver alcohol, and they have seen success. It’s all part of a changing economy, where users are turning more to online purchasing.</p><p class="indent">Louisiana residents may be familiar with drive-thru daiquiri shops. Meaux said his intent with having alcohol delivered is “to keep people off the streets.” A delivery service, if run the right way, could keep intoxicated drivers off the road.</p><p class="indent">Meaux and Rebekah Punak, of Instacart, said the service would help businesses while catering to the convenience customers are accustomed to.</p><p class="indent">The Legislature will hear the findings of the task force by March 1, so there’s some time left to hear from both sides on the issue.</p><p class="indent">The idea of having a bottle of wine or beer delivered with your meal sounds good. But the task force should hear from both sides to make sure they have covered all their bases.</p><p class="indent">If they don’t, any attempts to get the effort through the legislative process will go nowhere.</p></div>