Alcohol delivery plan scrutinized

The American Press

<div class="Content"><p class="indent">The possibility of alcohol being delivered to your home could be a reality at some point. But it has to go through some hurdles before state lawmakers will reconsider it.</p><p class="indent">The idea has its supporters and critics. Some see it as a financial benefit for restaurants and other related businesses. Others have concerns about making sure alcohol won’t end up in the hands of minors.</p><p class="indent">During the past legislative session, lawmakers rejected an effort to let customers buy wine or beer with dinner through Waitr, a locally-based food delivery app.</p><p class="indent">Deliveries would have been limited to alcohol that was factory-sealed. Also, delivery drivers would have to take vendor training and check customer IDs to make sure they could legally buy alcohol.</p><p class="indent">Now a task force is further researching the matter and hearing from those in restaurants, grocery and convenience stores and other businesses.</p><p class="indent">The panel, which meets monthly, heard earlier this month from representatives from Waitr and Instacart, an online grocery delivery company.</p><p class="indent">Another concern involves permits and taxing. According to the Advocate, Julius Meaux, with Waitr, said they have “zero objection to being regulated” and want to follow the steps outlined by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.</p><p class="indent">Other states already have apps that deliver alcohol, and they have seen success. It’s all part of a changing economy, where users are turning more to online purchasing.</p><p class="indent">Louisiana residents may be familiar with drive-thru daiquiri shops. Meaux said his intent with having alcohol delivered is “to keep people off the streets.” A delivery service, if run the right way, could keep intoxicated drivers off the road.</p><p class="indent">Meaux and Rebekah Punak, of Instacart, said the service would help businesses while catering to the convenience customers are accustomed to.</p><p class="indent">The Legislature will hear the findings of the task force by March 1, so there’s some time left to hear from both sides on the issue.</p><p class="indent">The idea of having a bottle of wine or beer delivered with your meal sounds good. But the task force should hear from both sides to make sure they have covered all their bases.</p><p class="indent">If they don’t, any attempts to get the effort through the legislative process will go nowhere.</p></div>””alcohol deliveryAmerican Press

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

LSU scores late to rout McNeese

McNeese Sports

Cowboys pound Alcorn

Crime

Westlake man accused of molestation

Local News

Audit says Louisiana’s temporary aid program doesn’t vet work records

McNeese Sports

Richards returning to Cowboys

Local News

Layoffs begin at US health agencies responsible for research, tracking disease and regulating food

Crime

4/1: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Court date reset in baby’s hot car death

Local News

Vietnam State Veterans Memorial dedication: Remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

life

Someone You Should Know: 4 questions with Joel Davidson

life

Brush with nature: Artists express serenity of nature

Local News

Shumate to San Antonio, Garcia returning

Local News

Cowgirls to host powerful LSU

Local News

Unveiling the beauty of historic renovations

Crime

3/31: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Business

Stock markets fall worldwide as Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ approaches

life

The art of charcuterie: Bringing art to life through food

life

SW La. school lunch menus March 31-April 4

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Calling all Lazy Gators: Westlake water park nearing completion

Local News

Tigers jump on Miss. State early and often to sweep series

Local News

Lake Charles mayoral race headed to runoff

Local News

Cameron voters favor amendments despite statewide rejection

Local News

Harris, Reynolds in runoff for DeRidder mayor