The UK government said yesterday it “will act where necessary to protect public safety” on alcohol delivery from online platforms.
“I will shortly hold a roundtable jointly with the Minister for Public Health and Prevention to consider solutions with healthcare professionals and experts in the field,” wrote Sarah Jones (pictured below), Minister of State for Policing and Crime, in identical responses to queries from Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome and Labour MP Peter Prinsley.
“The government recognises that consumer purchasing habits have evolved in recent years, particularly with a notable growth in alcohol sales made via online platforms and rapid delivery services,” Jones wrote, noting the UK’s current licensing laws date back to 2003.
The Department for Health and Social Care and the Home Office are together “looking at how current licensing rules apply to these services and monitoring emerging evidence on the impact they may be having on people’s health”, Jones wrote.
Alcohol Change, a UK NGO, recently began a campaign for action to reduce the risks that the home delivery of alcohol poses, especially rapid delivery. CEO Richard Piper outlined the charity’s proposals in an interview last week with Alcohol Review. ■