Yahoo News Supermarkets to tell delivery drivers not to give alcohol to drunk people
A worker delivers supermarket goods (file photo)
(PA)Supermarket delivery drivers will be told not to hand over alcohol to drunk people under plans drawn up by drinks companies to show they are selling responsibly.
According to the Guardian, twelve leading drinks brands are set to unveil the plans — which have been drawn up in partnership with retailers such as Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s and delivery service Uber Eats — on Thursday.
Online retailers and delivery services in other countries globally will also take part, including JD.com in China and HipBar in India.
Staff will be trained to spot signs of intoxication and check ID when they attend a delivery under the new plans.
They will be told to refuse handing over alcohol - much like publicans are supposed to do in pubs is customers appear drunk or underage.
Watch: 5 tips to take a break from alcohol
Staff will receive training on how to de-escalate conflict when customers react badly to being denied service.
The guidance issued by Uber Eats as published in the Guardian reads: “If you suspect intoxication, please select ‘intoxicated’ in your driver app and politely let the customer know that you cannot complete the delivery.”
The plans have been coordinated by the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD). As well as Diageo, it represents brands including Heineken, and AB InBev - which created Budweiser and Corona beers.
“We feel that it is vital that delivery agents feel supported and empowered to refuse delivery to anyone who is intoxicated or underage,” said Albert Baladi, the IARD chair.
“This partnership enables us to share these tools, where relevant, to support delivery agents in refusing delivery to intoxicated individuals.”
It comes amid a surge in online alcohol sales due to the pandemic. Drinks brand Diageo reported a doubling of online UK sales in its latest financial results. Diageo has drinks such as Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff.
IWSR data suggests, internationally, there has been 40 per cent increase in online alcohol sales to $17bn in 2020. Projections suggest that figure will be $40bn by 2024.
Despite the surge, alcohol sales overall in the UK have fallen due to the enforced closure of pubs, bars and restaurants.
Watch: What you can and can't do during England's third national lockdown
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