When delivering alcohol, please make sure that:
- Alcohol is not delivered to a minor
- Alcohol is not delivered to an intoxicated person
- Signs that a person is intoxicated:
– The person’s speech, balance, coordination or behaviour is noticeably affected, and
– It is reasonable in the circumstances to believe that the affected speech, balance, co-ordination or behaviour is the result of the consumption of liquor
Remember: Never leave alcohol unattended – no Authority To Leave (ATL)
Acceptable proof of age ID
- Includes photograph of the person
- Includes a name and date of birth
- Not be expired
- Be issued by an applicable government authority
Acceptable forms of ID in NSW:
- Australian Driver’s Licence or NSW Digital Driver Licence
- Foreign Drivers Licence
- Australian or foreign passport
- Photo Card issued in Australia or NSW Digital photo card
- Proof of Age/Evidence of Age Card issued in Australia
- Keypass (over 18) identity card issued by Australia Post
- Digital Keypass issued by Australia Post
Checking ID:
- Ask the recipient to hold their ID at a visible angle
- Ensure their name matches and their photo on the ID matches the recipient in front of you
- Make sure the ID is valid (not expired)
- If in doubt, you can request a second form of ID
- If they are showing you their licence on their phone, ask them to refresh so you know it is current
- Be wary of fake ID – ensure it hasn’t been altered or tampered with (wrinkles, bumps and air bubbles could mean it is fake)
- Do not take a photo of the recipients ID
If the recipient is a minor or you have trouble verifying their identity you must refuse delivery
Signs of intoxication based on:
Appearance:
- Breath smells of alcohol
- Person smells of alcohol
- Red eyes
Speech:
- Slurring of words
- Rambling or unintelligible conversation
- Incoherent or muddled speech
- Not understanding normal conversation
- Difficulty paying attention
Balance:
- Unsteady on feet
- Swaying uncontrollably
- Staggering
- Difficulty walking straight
- Cannot stand, or falling down
- Stumbling
- Bumping into or knocking over furniture or people
Coordination
- Lack of coordination
- Spilling drink
- Dropping drinks
- Fumbling change
- Difficulty opening or closing doors
Behaviour
- Rude
- Aggressive
- Argumentative
- Offensive
- Physically violent
- Loud/boisterous
- Confused
- Disorderly
- Using offensive language
- Overly friendly
- Loss of inhibition
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Inappropriate sexual advances
If you believe that the individual receiving the alcohol is intoxicated, you must refuse to supply them with the delivery
Refusing supply or refusing to deliver: Please do so in a polite and respectful manner
- Be friendly and polite
- Speak clearly, use short and simple sentences
- Be sure of your reason for refusing service
- Clearly tell the customer why they are being refused service
- Offer alternatives e.g. “I’d be happy to supply you next time if you Provide ID”
- Explain to the recipient that you have a legal obligation and it is not your choice.
- If challenged, repeat calmly and firmly that you are not permitted to supply or deliver alcohol to a minor or intoxicated individual due to the law
Do Not:
- Embarrass the recipient
- Talk down to the recipient
- Use bad/offensive language or derogatory names
- Take the situation personally and become emotionally involved
- Raise your voice
- Argue with the recipient
- Put yourself at risk or in harm’s way
De-escalating situations when refusing supply or delivery
Situation |
Approach |
Expressions to Consider |
Customer upset and being refused deliver |
- Acknowledge the customer and their concerns
|
- “I understand you’re upset at the moment”
- “I understand you were expecting this delivery for your occasion
|
Customer demanding delivery |
- Defuse the situation by blaming refusal on the law
- Do not talk down to the recipient, or talk abruptly
|
- “I’m sorry, it is against the law for me to deliver alcohol to someone – who is a minor/who I believe is intoxicated”
|
Customer raises their voice and is becoming unreasonable |
- Stay calm and respectful
- Keep your voice low and calm
- Tone of voice is critical when refusing service
- Maintain eye contact and keep facial expressions neutral
- Maintain at least one arm’s length between you and the recipient
|
- “Sorry, that is not my decision, that’s the law”
- “Sorry, that’s the law, I might lose my job or be fined if I do not comply”
|
If a solution isn’t reached |
- Advise the recipient to contact customer service who can assist the concern
|
- “Please contact our customer service, they will be happy to assist you with your concern/reschedule your delivery for another day”
|
If you FEEL UNSAFE at any time |
- Remove yourself from the situation. If required contact the police for assistance when it is safe to do so
Your safety is paramount |
|
Recording the refusal in a non-delivery register
– Please fill out the Refusal of Alcohol Delivery Form and clearly state the reason for being unable to deliver this package
– Arrange for 2nd attempt delivery and if that attempt fails, we will need to return to the provider or speak with them to arrange next steps