It is truly amazing these days that you can have almost anything delivered directly to your door. One of the greatest time-saving delivery services is Instacart’s grocery delivery program. Recently, Instacart has been delivering goods beyond groceries, such as electronics, toiletries, and maybe even alcohol?
Instacart does deliver alcohol. However, alcohol delivery is only available for select regions and with select retailers. You must be 21 or older and present an I.D. at delivery. Check the Instacart app to see if alcohol delivery is available in your area.
If you are in a bind, need alcohol quickly, and do not have time to visit the store- Instacart has got your back. For those who just do not feel like going out in public, Instacart delivery allows you to relax at home and accept your alcohol delivery at your leisure. Read on to learn all you need to know about Instacart alcohol delivery.
Which States Allow Alcohol Delivery on Instacart?
Slow down; before you pop out your smartphone or open your web browser to Instacart, you should find out first which states allow alcohol delivery with Instacart. Unfortunately, not all states allow Instacart to deliver alcohol. If your state is on Instacart’s list, you may be in luck.
States & U.S. territories that currently allow Instacart alcohol delivery:
| California | Connecticut | Florida |
| Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky |
| Massachusetts | Minnesota | Missouri |
| North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon |
| Texas | Virginia | Washington |
| Washington, D.C. |
Since laws and Instacart’s policies with states are always changing, it is best to check the Instacart app or website to see if alcohol delivery is available in your state.
If Instacart alcohol delivery is available in your state, you will be able to search for and find alcohol on the website and mobile app. So, if you do not see your state, check out the Instacart app or webpage to double-check! You might be in for a pleasant surprise!
Which Stores Deliver Alcohol on Instacart?
In addition to state limitations on Instacart alcohol delivery, only certain retailers are set up to have their alcohol delivered to you. If you are craving your favorite bottle of wine or need a craft beer from your local mom & pop grocery store, you may be out of luck- but it is still worth checking.
Instacart generally focuses its alcohol delivery service with the larger national chains through contracts.
What does that mean to you? It means you are more likely to get alcohol delivery through a large grocer and/or beverage chain. However, Instacart also partners with regional and local grocers.
Which Chains Currently Use Instacart for Alcohol Delivery
Always check your Instacart app or webpage to be sure if there is alcohol delivery available to your home! Here is an example of some of the larger chains that allow alcohol delivery with Instacart:
- Kroger (most Kroger chains)
- Albertsons
- Schnucks
- Publix
- Total Wine & More
Recall, your state will also need to allow Instacart alcohol delivery. So you will need to live in a state that allows it too and not just access to one of these stores.
Again, always be sure to check the Instacart app or website to confirm availability in your area. Again, things are always changing, so it is best to do a double check before you plan on using this service.
How to Order Alcohol on Instacart
Ordering alcohol on Instacart is simple! If you have ordered groceries on Instacart before, it is the same process.
Create an Account
The first thing is that you need an account; if you do not have one, it is very easy to sign up for one. You can do this on the mobile app or Instacart’s webpage.
During your account setup, you will also need to enter a debit or credit card as your payment method. You are going to be buying things, so this is absolutely needed. During the setup, you will also provide your name and delivery address (do not worry, this can be easily changed later if you are moving soon).
How to Place Your Order
Once you have your account completely set up and squared away, you can start ordering alcohol like a pro! This is assuming you live in a state that allows it and has nearby retailers that are set up with Instacart for alcohol delivery, of course.
Here are the quick and easy steps to order alcohol on Instacart:
- Open the Instacart app on your smartphone (or open the webpage)
- Select your preferred retailer
- Search for the alcohol you wish to purchase
- Add it to your cart
- Check out and pick a delivery window
Instacart makes this process as simple as possible. However, there is one legal caveat you should be aware of.
Yes, You Will Be Carded for Instacart Alcohol Delivery
Someone that is 21 years of age or older must be present at the time of delivery for all alcohol orders. The person must also present their I.D. to prove their age to the delivery driver.
No one under the age of 21 can purchase alcohol in the U.S., so there must be someone 21 or older present to accept the delivery.
Can Instacart Deliver Alcohol When You Are Not Home?
Under no circumstances can Instacart deliver alcohol when you are not home. They have a strict policy.
Someone 21 years of age or older must be present at the time of Instacart alcohol delivery. There is no exception to this policy, not even if you ask very nicely.
There are some very good reasons for this policy:
- Legal implications – These are the main reason someone must be present for the delivery. Otherwise, people less than 21 years of age would be easily able to game the system and get alcohol illegally. And since it is your home and your alcohol, you could be liable for any negative issues arising.
- Quality control – You probably would not want alcohol just sitting on your porch, would you? If it is too hot out, beer and wine can be skunked. If it is too cold outside beer cans and bottled beverages, they might crack or explode after freezing. That is not ideal! You want your alcohol to be drinkable, do you not?
If you want alcohol delivery, you must be present for the delivery, period.
Does Instacart Charge Extra for Alcohol Delivery?
Similar to grocery delivery, Instacart does charge extra in some cases for alcohol delivery. Typically, if the alcohol delivery is through an Instacart partner store, there are no additional markups on your alcohol purchase.
With some retailers, you do pay a lower price if you shop in the store and a slightly higher price if you were to get the same items delivered through Instacart. Why are there extra fees? While let us think about it, oh yeah- the shopper/driver! These extra markups go towards paying the shopper/delivery person.
Additionally, if you get alcohol delivered through Instacart, you will pay the following extra fees too:
- Instacart delivery fee
- Instacart subscription fee (billed monthly, not required)
- Instacart shopper/driver tip (please tip your shoppers!)
Instacart’s fees are not outrageous and are definitely worth their cost through the time and inconvenience you save!
Conclusion
Instacart does deliver alcohol, however not in all locations and not with all retailers. If your state is not on the list of states that allow delivery, do not be sad. Your state could be added soon. Always check the Instacart app or their website to find the most up-to-date policies in your state.
If you are in an approved state and have found a participating retailer near you, you’re well on your way. If you are 21 years of age or older and at home to receive your order with a government-issued I.D. card in-hand, your alcohol delivery through Instacart is just a few clicks away!
https://www.businessinsider.com/instacart-exec-on-how-his-company-is-fighting-alcohol-laws-2019-9
https://www.supermarketnews.com/online-retail/instacart-ramps-alcohol-delivery
https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/12/instacarts-alcohol-delivery-is-now-available-in-14-states/