As back-to-school season sweeps in, DoorDash is intensifying its efforts to ensure responsible alcohol deliveries, particularly among underage individuals, in Massachusetts, a state with a significant college student population.

The food delivery giant recently unveiled a set of new safety initiatives tailored for the region:

Restricting Deliveries to College Campuses: DoorDash will block alcohol deliveries to college campuses and similar high-risk areas. This action aims to prevent underage students from accessing alcoholic beverages through the platform.

Alcohol Compliance Training: Delivery workers will now be required to complete an alcohol compliance module that emphasizes safe and responsible delivery. Successful completion of this module will grant delivery workers the ability to make alcohol deliveries.

Streamlined Returns Process: A revamped returns process will be put in place, making it easier for couriers to return alcohol if a delivery cannot be completed.

Additionally, DoorDash is collaborating with an undisclosed third-party vendor to enhance scanning technology for identification cards. The company is also working closely with Massachusetts policymakers to ensure that its alcohol services adhere to the highest safety standards.

DoorDash made its stance clear: “Simply put — if you are on a college campus, you will not be able to order alcohol for delivery on the DoorDash Marketplace platform.” The company is committed to continually developing and implementing safety features focused on responsible alcohol deliveries.

DoorDash introduced alcohol delivery in Massachusetts over two years ago and has since taken several steps to enhance safety. These measures include advanced two-step ID verification, safety and alcohol-specific compliance modules for workers, and a voluntary self-exclusion or opt-out register for consumers who prefer not to have alcohol delivered.

In the emerging landscape of alcohol e-commerce, DoorDash’s commitment to responsible deliveries is evident. According to DoorDash’s inaugural report on alcohol online ordering trends, alcohol orders for pickup and delivery on the platform surged by more than 100% year-over-year from 2021 to 2022. The report highlights that comfort, convenience, and time-saving are key drivers behind the growth in alcohol e-commerce sales. In 2022, vodka and tequila emerged as the most popular and fastest-growing alcoholic beverages ordered online for delivery.

DoorDash’s efforts to enhance safety around alcohol deliveries demonstrate its dedication to responsible service in a growing market.