Buying Alcohol online

[HB]

Evening guys. Do many of you buy alcohol online, if so, what do you buy and from where. Also, are the Id checks quite good to rule out underage purchasing.

 

[Simon_M]

I buy wine online, no ID checks at all, but I pay with credit card.

 

[LTD]

Harry - I'm in the industry, as you know.

Can I help out - even privately ?

 

[Charles Morgan]

I buy most of my wine from the internet, although I know the people in 95% of cases. I once bought a case of Krug from Sainsburys who had it at a sensible price, and of course they didn't ask for my ID, no-one has.

On the other hand a friend of mine in her early 40s (she is a little short) got asked for ID when buying beer in Waitrose. I think she was flattered, if a little put out when I asked if the assistant had black glasses and a Labrador.

 

[LTD]

I think the key to this is the proof-of-age.

Online sales generally rely on a debit or credit card to be used. Use of credit cards are generally accepted a proof of age as the cards are only issued to people above the technical legal age for buying alcohol. Nominally 18 years of age.

However, debit cards are available to people under the age of 18 and can be deemed acceptable to the online online payment system.

The crux of the issue, in my opinion, is whether or not the site in question has asked the purchaser if they are of a legal age to buy alcohol online rather than the card clearance.

Since there is no judgement by the staff or proof of ID like a shop assistant could call upon, it rests on the site user to cite that they are of a legal age to purchase alcohol.

A legal minefield and one reason our company does not have an online web-sales avenue.

 

[HB]

The Id checks are done in the background as far as I know. If there is an underage suspicion, your order will not be processed

 

[LTD]

The Id checks are done in the background as far as I know. If there is an underage suspicion, your order will not be processed

Nope.

I think you need to PM me

A 16yo can buy a pre-paid debit card as easily as a 60yo.

How do you differentiate them at an automated card-clearance ? All the card providers are interested in is proof of funds availability.

 

[IanA2]

I buy virtually all my wine online. Never been asked my age.

 

[HB]

Looks like a minefield then.

 

[219]

Is there any check made at point of delivery ?

Suppose the order was accepted and processed online , but when the delivery driver rang the doorbell a pimply-faced adolescent answered ; would he only be authorised to hand the alcohol over to someone who was either clearly of age , or who could produce suitable ID ?

 

[Dieselman]

Is there any check made at point of delivery ?

Suppose the order was accepted and processed online , but when the delivery driver rang the doorbell a pimply-faced adolescent answered ; would he only be authorised to hand the alcohol over to someone who was either clearly of age , or who could produce suitable ID ?

Why would a courier want to take responsibility for that and how would they know what is in the package?

The retailer is responsible, not the delivery driver.

 

[DSM10000]

Is there any check made at point of delivery ?

Suppose the order was accepted and processed online , but when the delivery driver rang the doorbell a pimply-faced adolescent answered ; would he only be authorised to hand the alcohol over to someone who was either clearly of age , or who could produce suitable ID ?

We often have deliveries left without anyone being at home to provide a signature.

 

[219]

Why would a courier want to take responsibility for that and how would they know what is in the package?

The retailer is responsible, not the delivery driver.

In most cases ( pun ) the delivery would be via the retailer's own driver , usually from the nearest store ( local branch ) - be it Asda , Tesco , M&S , or any of the specialist alcohol retailers who also have their own delivery fleet - so it is perfectly reasonable that the driver would know exactly what the order was and normally they get the consignee to sign for it - that is exactly what happens when we have had home deliveries from the various supermarkets , although we have never ordered alcohol that way .

It is odd that a high value delivery might just be left on a doorstep without any signature : what if someone took it before the rightful owner came home ?

I still think my question is valid , and suspect it would be unlawful for the driver to hand booze over to a minor .

 

[DSM10000]

It is odd that a high value delivery might just be left on a doorstep without any signature : what if someone took it before the rightful owner came home ?

I still think my question is valid , and suspect it would be unlawful for the driver to hand booze over to a minor .

As far as I aware the Supermarkets all have a policy for on-line order deliveries, they insist on an adult being at the address to sign for the delivery, this is not the case for all retailers regardless of the product or value.

I have had many deliveries of wine left without a signature, including on a number of occasions from the Sunday Times Wine Club with the contents clearly marked.

 

[Charles Morgan]

the Sunday Times Wine Club

That was nice of you taking it in for your neighbour.

 

[DSM10000]

That was nice of you taking it in for your neighbour.

A long time ago Charles and lessons have been learnt!!

 

[joecash]

Nope.

I think you need to PM me

A 16yo can buy a pre-paid debit card as easily as a 60yo.

How do you differentiate them at an automated card-clearance ? All the card providers are interested in is proof of funds availability.

even younger I know of youngsters below the age of 16 getting one. Not credit tho!!

 

[kth286]

I guess when you register to use these sites they credit check you (it will be in the small print of the long terms and conditions that very few people bother to read) and age comes up automatically.

If you are not found on the credit/identification check, then nil wine.

 

[Apial]

Children beat drinking laws by buying online from supermarkets who don¿t check ages at the doorstep | Mail Online

They should have their licence to sell alcohol revoked.

 

[abecketts]

We sell wine and cider online, it is a challenge to be sure your purchasers are over 18. All orders get checked before dispatch and if I'm unhappy I'll make a "customer service" call just to be sure. All reasonable steps helps should trading standard or your friendly local licensing authority cone a calling.