Full Breakdown
Campaigners Seek Ban on Alcohol Sales Through Delivery Apps After Tragic Death
5/11/2026, 11:19:51 PM
The Tragic Catalyst
In 2023, Zoe Hughes, 35, died from injuries sustained in an unwitnessed fall at her Lincoln home while under the influence of alcohol. An inquest concluded that her death was “a consequence of injuries arising from an unwitnessed fall whilst under the influence of alcohol.” Her sister, Alex Hughes, 31, launched a petition demanding a ban on alcohol sales via food-delivery platforms, arguing that rapid doorstep delivery removed critical barriers to excessive consumption.
Background: Licensing Rules and Rapid Delivery
The UK Licensing Act 2003 makes it an offence to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk and requires retailers to verify age. Delivery firms assert that they apply the same licensing, marketing and regulatory restrictions as in-store sales and that drivers are trained to refuse delivery to intoxicated customers. However, the speed of “rapid” delivery—often within 20 minutes—has raised concerns that existing legislation does not reflect current purchasing behaviours.
Key Figures and Advocacy Groups
- Alex Hughes – campaigner and petition initiator.
- Alcohol Change UK – charity behind Dry January; director Joe Marley leads the call for updated regulations.
- Hattie Underwood – 35-year-old recovering alcoholic and founder of the online community Sober Happy Free.
- Daniel Dobbs – recovering alcoholic and coach with the Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership.
- Delivery platforms – Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats.
- UK Government – represented by an official spokesperson.
Data Highlighting the Issue
- Zoe reportedly spent £1,000–£1,500 per month on alcohol ordered through Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.
- She consumed five to seven bottles of wine, gin or vodka daily in the weeks before her death.
- Orders could be placed as early as 6 a.m., and delivery often arrived within 20 minutes of a few taps on a phone.
Official Statements & Responses
Delivery firms emphasise compliance with existing licensing law. A Deliveroo spokesperson said retailers “must adhere to the same licensing, marketing and regulatory restrictions as in-store,” and that “riders were trained to conduct checks and refuse delivery if a customer appears intoxicated.” Just Eat highlighted “robust processes and policies” and the ability to block accounts or addresses, while Uber Eats noted age and sobriety checks and a mechanism for customers to request account blocks on alcohol sales.
A government spokesperson acknowledged concerns, stating, “We understand the concerns relating to rapid online alcohol delivery, which can lead to increased alcohol harm, and drinking issues going unseen,” and confirmed that the government is reviewing how licensing rules apply to rapid delivery services.
Criticism & Opposition
Joe Marley argued that the Licensing Act “has not kept up with the reality on the ground,” urging politicians to reconsider delivery hours and introduce safeguards such as daily caps and time-based restrictions. Hattie Underwood described how apps “took all the barriers out of the way,” facilitating early-morning drinking. Daniel Dobbs supported any measures that protect vulnerable individuals, provided they do not infringe on personal choice.
Conflicting Views on Safeguards
Delivery companies maintain that existing checks are sufficient, whereas campaigners contend that age and sobriety checks alone cannot prevent excessive consumption or early-morning ordering. This divergence underscores the need for clearer regulatory guidance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All she had to do was go on her phone, click a few buttons and it would be delivered in as quick as 20 minutes.” — Alex Hughes, campaigner
- “We have the licensing act. It was created quite a long time ago and it hasn't kept up with the reality on the ground,” — Joe Marley, director, Alcohol Change UK
- “Psychologically they took all the barriers out of the way.” — Hattie Underwood, recovering alcoholic
- “must adhere to the same licensing, marketing and regulatory restrictions as in-store” — Deliveroo spokesperson
- “We understand the concerns relating to rapid online alcohol delivery, which can lead to increased alcohol harm, and drinking issues going unseen.” — Government spokesperson
What’s Next
The government has pledged to work with experts to develop effective safeguards for rapid alcohol delivery. Potential outcomes include revised licensing provisions, mandatory daily purchase caps, restricted delivery windows, and a voluntary register that blocks individuals from ordering alcohol through apps. The petition led by Alex Hughes continues to gather support as policymakers deliberate on these measures.
