The ACT will become the first Australian jurisdiction to regulate same-day alcohol delivery under legislation night-time minister Tara Cheyne MLA introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly this week.

The Liquor Amendment Bill 2025 closes regulatory gaps that allowed unlimited late-night drinking from online orders.

The bill only allows deliveries between 10am and 10pm, with a two-hour “cool-off” period between purchase and drop-off, and a daily cap on how much alcohol can be delivered.

Deliveries to minors, schools, and public transport stops will be banned, and consumers will be able to opt out of deliveries or alcohol ads altogether.

Drivers will have to complete new responsible-service training and will be protected from abuse or pressure to deliver to intoxicated customers.

Certain businesses (hotels, florists, gift hampers, hospitals, care services, tour businesses) are exempt. The two-hour delay does not apply when alcohol is delivered with a meal in modest quantities.

“As same-day delivery services become as commonplace as going out for a drink, it follows that it is not unreasonable for commensurate protections to be put in place for the safety of the community,” Ms Cheyne said.

“Prolonged alcohol consumption in environments without checks and balances to ensure alcohol is being consumed responsibly can exacerbate the risk of alcohol-related harm, not only in relation to the consumer’s own health but in relation to its impacts on safety of individuals living with or otherwise engaging with the consumer.”

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation commended the ACT Government on becoming the first Australian jurisdiction to propose common sense legislation around the online sale and delivery of alcohol, saying it would reduce alcohol-related harms, including violence towards women and children. 

ACT Manager, Allison Reid said the ACT Government is showing leadership and a commitment to the health and safety of the ACT community.  

 “The easier it is to access alcohol, the higher the rates of harm, such as family violence,” Ms Reid said. “Yet, alcohol is more accessible than ever, especially when it can be purchased and delivered with just a click of a button. 

“Common-sense alcohol regulation, including limiting the hours in which it can be delivered, and having a two-hour safety pause between purchase and delivery, are part of a suite of health measures urgently needed to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms.”

All states and territories agreed last year to review their liquor laws to prevent of violence against women and children.  

 “The link between alcohol and violence is clear, with data showing that alcohol is estimated to be involved in between 23 and 65 per cent of all family violence incidents reported by police,” Ms Reid said. “Yet a year on, we are still waiting to hear from other jurisdictions about how they plan to reduce alcohol availability and harms. 

“Now is the time for all jurisdictions to act and follow the lead of the ACT by tightening up alcohol delivery laws.”