Latest Update: Alcoholic companies are asking for app and web-based delivery of liquor during the lockdown period. I will share the latest updates on this article so bookmark it. Wine shops can sell alcohol through apps and web like a marketplace. Updates coming soon!
You can order alcohol online in India with these websites.
Let’s take a quick look at the laws in India to order alcohol before we share the list with you.
In India, the retail industry has bloomed a lot in the last ten years, from selling clothes to eyewear, anything and everything can be bought online. But, there is one question that troubles a lot of people: Can you purchase your drinks online?
This question is asked even more during the COVID19 lockdown.
The short answer is YES, you can buy and sell alcohol online.
But you need to understand this:
In order to sell it online, you need to seek permission from the state government and ensure that your business model complies with the state laws. You also require permission to buy/sell liquor in public places. Every state has different age restrictions regarding hard drinks, hence selling or buying drinks depends on the age restrictions.
This means that while some alcohol delivery services can function locally, they may not work at a national level.
This is because prohibition is incorporated in the Constitution of India among the directive principles of state policy which means that legislative powers of alcohol consumption are under the power of respective states.
As a business, the Liquor online business model is a risky model but it can be done if you comply with state laws you can run a successful business.
Since the rules keep changing often and restrictions change a lot, some of these will work for you and some may not. Some of the vendors you can try are:
Madhuloka
A great option in Bangalore. You can call them at 9900088994 or email them reach@madhuloka.com.
Their full price and menu is available on their online portal madhuloka.com. If you have some personal contacts at Madhuloka, it’s better to call them directly.
Madhuloka is probably one of the most famous outlets for ordering alcohol. Based in Bangalore, Madhuloka has a wide range of drinks including premium brands as well. The vision of Madhuloka is to provide its customers with the best and widest range of wine and spirits.
Remember: They operate only in Bangalore.
Madhuloka Wine Boutique is about wines to drink – not just wines that impress at tastings. We particularly emphasize drinkability and try to offer wines, which do not just impress on first taste but leave you wanting another glass.
Whiskymarketplace
[Update April 2020] They started off as an alcohol delivery website, transitioned to a whiskey search platform, and the domain now redirects to an adult website and has hence been removed from this post.
The feature that made the website unique was the filters, age and price filters which allow the users to buy aged whiskey. The website also contained filters for the retailers you want the drinks from and the age of the whiskey you wish to purchase.
P.S. For people who wish to know about the latest trends and events, a detailed analysis of the liquor industry they can browse through spiritz.in. The website also informs the users about the latest fashionable drinks available in the market.
Letsbuydrink
Update 2020: This was a Delhi-based service but it was discontinued.
The Law in Delhi mentions: “Home delivery of alcoholic beverages is illegal in Delhi. However, Delhi permits home delivery of beer and wine by private vendors and departmental stores.”
This is what I found in their legal document:
“LetsBuyDrink.com will deliver the Goods to You at the Delivery Address during the authorized licensed trading hours. LetsBuyDrink.com may obtain authorization via fax or e-mail transmission to deliver goods to the address supplied without obtaining a receipt of goods delivered if instructed to do so by the authorized Order purchaser(You).”
This sounds like they have a set of “licensed trading hours” and may need to obtain an authorization.
It is not clear what legal implication it has.
Alcohol Purchase and Selling – April 2020 Latest updates (by state):
- The excise departments of the Assam and Meghalaya issued official orders under their jurisdiction; permitting liquor shops in their respective states to resume their operations from 13th April 2020.
- Assam government’s order permitted liquor shops, wholesale warehouses, bottling plants, distilleries and breweries to operate for seven hours daily, from 10 am to 5 pm. The state government asked shops to have bare minimum staff and provide hand sanitisers to customers and staff while handling the bottles and cash, and to maintain social distancing.
- Meghalaya government asked liquor shops and warehouses to be operational from 9 am to 4 pm while ensuring social distancing and hand hygiene at their premises.
- Kerala government tried to ease alcohol availability in the state but that initiative was scrapped by the Kerala High court and a fresh PIL has been filed before the court to open liquor shops in the state.
- Haryana government has also ordered liquor distilleries to start production, says a news report.
Now, the latest updates might bring the new delivery app out faster than ever.
Liquor apex body CIABC seeks nod from govt for the online sale of alcohol with delivery or using food delivery partners for the same.
They’re planning to register alcohol shops for home delivery of liquor.
“Shops should be asked to enroll for home delivery. Qualifying shops should be given 3-4 movement passes for home delivery. Customers may place an order online with age proof. The government may limit the amount of liquor delivered.”
Also (as per the same report in Economic Times): “The governments can partner with food delivery aggregators and consider setting up their own portals for facilitating home deliveries.”
This article will be updated as soon as there is an update of the new app or website.
2 Comments
As far as I know, none of the license supports delivery of alcoholic drinks to your doorsteps. Are these websites running legally? I mean, are these people who are running these websites, are following all the legal procedures? If yes, how?
Hi Rahul, kindly refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_laws_of_India#Delhi:
“Home delivery of alcoholic beverages is illegal in Delhi.[6] However, Delhi permits home delivery of beer and wine by private vends and departmental stores.”
As per my understanding the website would count as a private vendor. However, they are delivering all kinds of drinks other than just beer or wine.
This is what I found in their legal document:
“LetsBuyDrink.com will deliver the Goods to You at the Delivery Address during the authorized licensed trading hours. LetsBuyDrink.com may obtain authorization via fax or e-mail transmission to deliver goods to the address supplied without obtaining a receipt of goods delivered, if instructed to do so by the authorized Order purchaser(You).”
This sounds like they have a set of “licensed trading hours” and may need to obtain an authorization.
It is not clear what legal implication it has. I am dropping a mail to the founder of letsbuydrink.com to understand more on this.