Story Highlight
- Anissa Khalfa campaigns against alcohol delivery apps after cousin’s death.
- Tom Greest, 33, died from alcohol-related health problems last year.
- Groups seek tighter regulations and technological solutions for alcohol delivery.
- Rapid delivery services fuel alcohol addiction and harm, experts warn.
- Government reviewing licensing rules to address alcohol delivery concerns.
Full Story
Anissa Khalfa, an 18-year-old from South Tyneside, is advocating for stricter regulations on alcohol delivery apps following the death of her cousin, Tom Greest, from alcohol-related health problems at the age of 33. Anissa has campaigned for over three years, arguing that platforms like UberEats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat facilitate easy access to alcohol, which can be detrimental to vulnerable individuals. Anissa believes that while these companies assert they have robust safeguards, they are inadequate in preventing alcohol delivery to users who are clearly inebriated.
According to Anissa, her cousin was able to order alcohol without being refused, even when intoxicated. “He was obviously intoxicated when alcohol was delivered, and at no point to my knowledge was he ever refused,” she stated. She suggests that it was easier for him to order online than to buy alcohol from a shop or pub, highlighting the absence of protective measures. Anissa does not blame delivery drivers, acknowledging the pressures within the gig economy.
Tom Greest passed away in March 2025, which has prompted Anissa to seek greater awareness of these issues. She remarked, “When you’re on an app, you’re just a number… They don’t see that there’s a real person with a family who is suffering and struggling with their mental health.”
Coalition groups like the Alcohol Health Alliance are supporting Anissa’s cause with their ‘End the Delivery Trap’ campaign. They argue for tighter regulations and technologies to limit the ease of access to alcohol. Susan Taylor, head of alcohol policy for the Fresh and Balance campaign groups, noted the staggering statistic that nearly half a million people in the North East regularly use rapid delivery apps to order alcohol. “We need national action to strengthen protections for those who are addicted and at risk,” she stated.
Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, expressed condolences for Tom’s death and highlighted how the convenience of alcohol delivery creates risks for individuals aiming to manage their drinking habits. He described the existing regulations as outdated and called for modern measures to provide better protections.
The companies involved assert their commitment to responsible practices. A spokesperson for Just Eat stated, “We take our responsibilities seriously and have robust processes… to ensure any alcohol displayed and delivered… is done so legally and responsibly.” Deliveroo and Uber Eats both shared similar sentiments, detailing their policies for age verification and checks on customer sobriety before completing deliveries.
The Government has acknowledged the concerns over rapid alcohol delivery services. A spokesperson remarked that they are reviewing licensing rules to enhance safeguards, noting that it is already an offence to sell alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated. They expressed their commitment to collaborating with experts to ensure that any future regulations effectively mitigate risks associated with alcohol delivery.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
The tragic story surrounding the alcohol delivery issues raises critical points about the effectiveness of existing safeguards. Companies providing rapid alcohol delivery could implement more robust verification systems during the ordering process, such as requiring live video confirmation of sobriety or limiting orders based on customer history of consumption patterns. This approach would not only align better with the expectations of social responsibility but also mitigate risks associated with alcohol delivery.
The Licensing Act 2003 directly applies here, as it establishes that it is an offence to sell alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated. Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 mandates that employers ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of persons not in their employment who may be affected by their activities.
To prevent similar incidents, delivery companies should actively track and analyse patterns of user behaviour. They could develop algorithms to flag and restrict users who display risky drinking behaviours, similar to measures seen in responsible gambling applications. By prioritising user safety and refining their operational processes, these companies can help create a safer environment for vulnerable individuals.
