Back in 2021, Uber purchased Drizly for $1.1 billion shortly after it reported that its food delivery segment kept its losses manageable during the pandemic. Three years later, the company is shutting down the US-based alcohol delivery service, Axios has reported. Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, Uber’s SVP of delivery, told the publication that the company has decided to close the business and to focus on its “core Uber Eats strategy.”
This seems like a legal minefield to even attempt. Liquor is often treated differently than beer and wine legally, and the laws are absurdly convoluted and different for each state. I wouldn’t be surprised if the plan was just hoping that state agencies didn’t ask questions.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this is partially a response to some states asking if drivers were properly licensed to deliver alcohol.
DoorDash still has alcohol deliveries.
You would be amazed at how many people place a delivery order, then either leave home, pass out, or won’t answer the door.
The one time I’ve had an alcohol delivery come up, it was a case of beer from Walgreens at like 9 pm. I got there and the store was uncharactrtistically closed. I can only imagine how pissed they were finding that out.
I get them all the time for Meijers and a local bar/liquor store. One restaurant still sells margaritas in plastic cups, “sealed” with just a paper tape. I’m not completely sure that’s legal, but I look forward to the GoFundMe for my legal fees and living expenses if and when I get arrested for it.
I’ve been left with 4 bottles of champagne, a bottle of prosecco, 3 cases of beer, and a box of wine in the past year, where the customer just didn’t want to answer the door.
The article ends with:
Either way, Drizly is gone, but Uber seems to intend to continue delivering alcohol to its customers.
Which makes this feel more like consolidation than a shut down
Yeah I’m looking at the app (Uber Eats) right now. Alcohol delivery is an option.
At least in my area.
I took off work today because I feel like death. (strep throat, aching body). I just had DD deliver me a pint of alcohol so I don’t have to drag my sick ass out in this weather and risk getting other ppl sick.
I’m gonna make a hot toddy after dinner, lay down and hopefully feel better tomorrow for work. Point is, alcohol delivery is a great service imo. One I’m willing to pay for. It’s also one that has stopped my buddy from driving his already drunk ass to the store for more booze.
That alone possibly saved a few lives. Just sayin.
