LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A debate is brewing over proposed liquor delivery regulations in Clark County, as leaders seek to prevent minors from getting access to alcohol while some drivers voice concerns about restrictions impacting customers.
FOX5 first told you about the effort to craft an ordinance to regulate alcohol delivery through popular third-party apps. In 2021, the state legislature legalized third-party liquor deliveries.
“We have a responsibility to be very aware of the negative implications that could come from a (such a) policy,” Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy told FOX5 in April 2023. “We don’t want our kids getting a hold of liquor.”
Though the state already prohibits deliveries to minors and intoxicated customers, cities and counties can craft their own regulations.
According to Clark County’s proposed ordinance, a delivery driver must be 21 and older.
Sealed alcohol from groceries, liquor stores or even pubs must be placed in a delivery driver’s trunk or an area with no passengers.
If a passenger is in a vehicle with an alcohol delivery, the passenger must be 21 and older.
There are possible new certifications or licenses required, according to documents in the proposed ordinance.
“A liquor store, or a liquor delivery support service acting on behalf of a liquor store, shall ensure that any independent contractors it retains as a driver to make deliveries holds a county business license,” the ordinance proposal states.
Documents also specify the need for delivery drivers to have “a valid alcohol education card issued by an alcoholic beverage awareness program”– or TAM card, typically needed by bartenders, servers and some retailers.
“We’re not serving the alcohol, we’re just delivering it,” said Adam Shepherd, a delivery driver who spoke to FOX5, voicing concerns that too many regulations could put drivers out of work– and customers without options for delivery.
“If you have drivers like me who are willing to do those orders, and then we’re suddenly out of the market, unable to do it, you’re looking at less drivers, possibly no drivers,” Shepherd said.
App delivery service DoorDash tells FOX5, they have concerns over proposed regulations that could hinder customers’ orders and access. A company spokesperson tells FOX5, thousands of drivers have sent emails and letters to county leaders.
A spokesperson sent this statement, telling FOX5 that company officials are speaking with county leaders:
Unfortunately, this ordinance places unnecessary and unprecedented restrictions on third party alcohol delivery in Nevada and, by doing so, limits Dashers’ access to crucial earning opportunities. We urge the County to reconsider the current proposal, and to continue working with us so that Dashers can help facilitate safe and responsible delivery in their communities.”
FOX5 reached out to county leaders about various concerns.
The public hearing for the ordinance will be held November 5 during the County Commission meeting.
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