Home delivery firms have been accused of lagging behind with age-verification checks for alcohol purchases. 

During its Responsible Retailing Forum held in Reading, Berkshire, in February, ACS communications director Chris Noice said analysis made by the trade body found home delivery companies were still neglecting to check the age of those purchasing alcohol online. 

“There is still a long way to go with extending ID checks to the delivery drivers,” he stressed. 

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Retailers in attendance raised similar concerns, stressing there was a lack of clarity about whether the responsibility lies with themselves or the delivery drivers. 

Iain Corby, executive director of Age Verification Providers Association, who spoke at the event, advised that introducing digital age-verification for delivery drivers is “vital”. 

“We know delivery drivers are under pressure, they are not trained on identifying proof of age. Digital proof for delivery drivers will massively improve checks during deliveries,” he said. 

Digital age-verification technology is also now being trialled by the government in convenience stores in the north-west of England, aimed to identify underage customers attempting to purchase alcohol. 

Corby added: “Clarity is needed over understanding of the law on who is liable over home delivery checks. Ideally delivery services should be doing online ID checks themselves when orders are made.” 

Kate Winstanley, director of Community Alcohol Partnerships, agreed with Corby and is advocating for age checks with home delivery. “Businesses will have to look at their internal controls and consider whether age checks are needed at doors,” she said.