What Happens If Nobody Is Home for an Alcohol Delivery?

If nobody aged 18 or over is there, an alcohol delivery cannot be left on the doorstep, in a porch or with a child. The driver will try to contact you using the phone number on the order. If they cannot reach you, Drinks House 247 returns the order and the team will help you arrange another delivery.

With parcels, a missed delivery usually means a card through the door and a trip to a neighbour or a locker. Alcohol is different. Because of the law on age verification, it has to be handed to an adult in person, which changes what happens when nobody answers the door.

Why can't alcohol be left on the doorstep?

In the UK it is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under 18, and that responsibility continues until the order is in an adult's hands. If a driver leaves a bottle unattended, there is no way to know who picks it up. Drinks House 247 also operates a Challenge 25 policy, so anyone who looks under 25 is asked for photo ID before the order is handed over.

What can and cannot happen with your order

What does the driver do if nobody answers?

1. They check they are at the right address, including the flat number and entrance.
2. They try to call or message you using the phone number given at checkout.
3. If you answer, they can wait briefly while you come down, or follow your directions to the right door.
4. If they cannot reach you, the order goes back with them. It is not left anywhere.

How do you rearrange delivery?

Contact the team using the details on our contact page as soon as you can, quoting your order number. They will help you arrange a new delivery time or explain your options. The sooner you get in touch, the easier it is to sort out.

How to avoid a missed delivery

• Give a mobile number you will answer. This is the single most useful thing you can do.
• Write a complete address. Include the flat number, building name and any gate or entry code. In London, incomplete addresses are the most common cause of missed drops.
• Add delivery notes. For example, which entrance to use or that a concierge will accept it.
• Order when you will be in. London deliveries typically arrive within 30 to 45 minutes, so order when you know someone over 18 will be at home.
• Have ID ready. If you look under 25, keep a passport or driving licence to hand.

Sending a gift? Plan for the handover

Gift orders are the most likely to be missed, because the recipient may not know a delivery is coming. A few ways to avoid this:

• Send it to their workplace, where reception is staffed.
• Tell a partner or flatmate to expect it, without spoiling the surprise for the recipient.
• Add the recipient's mobile number so the driver can call them.
• For deliveries outside London, which arrive the next day, choose a day when someone will be in.

Hotels, offices and short lets

Hotels and offices are often easier because someone is always at the front desk, though hotel policies on alcohol for guests vary, so check first. For an Airbnb or short let, make sure the guest will be there in person to receive it; there is usually nobody else to accept it.

What about ID that does not match?

If the person at the door cannot show acceptable photo ID and looks under 25, the driver cannot hand over the order, even if the buyer is over 18. Acceptable ID includes a passport, a photocard driving licence, or a PASS-accredited proof-of-age card.

Frequently asked questions

Can alcohol be left on the doorstep if I am not home?

No. By law, alcohol must be handed to someone aged 18 or over. It cannot be left in a porch, safe place or with a child.

Can a neighbour accept my alcohol delivery?

Only if they are over 18, can show photo ID if they look under 25, and you have agreed to it. Otherwise the driver cannot hand it over.

What happens to my order if I miss the delivery?

The driver tries to call you. If they cannot reach you, the order is returned and you can contact the team to arrange another delivery.

What ID is accepted for alcohol delivery?

A passport, a photocard driving licence or a PASS-accredited proof-of-age card. Anyone who looks under 25 is asked for ID.

Delivery help

Read how alcohol delivery works and our Challenge 25 policy, check the areas we cover, or reach the team on our contact page. For more on the handover, see delivery safety and age verification and delivering to a hotel.

Deliveries are to over-18s only under our Challenge 25 policy. Please drink responsibly.