For Delivery Drivers: Everything About Delivering Alcohol in Mississippi
Mississippi is slowly catching up with national trends on alcohol delivery. Thanks to changes in state law, drivers and businesses can now legally deliver alcohol within certain conditions. But before you start accepting orders through DoorDash, Grubhub, or Instacart, you need to know the rules—and the risks.
Sep 25
While Mississippi does not require state-approved alcohol delivery training at the state level, many businesses and third-party platforms do require drivers to complete certification. That’s where training like the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification becomes invaluable for drivers and companies who want to protect themselves. For bartenders, servers, sellers, and managers in Mississippi, the Mississippi Alcohol Awareness Training is also an important option, even though it is not state-mandated.
The Legal Framework for Alcohol Delivery in Mississippi
A Recent Shift in the Law
- Before July 2021, alcohol delivery was not allowed statewide.
- HB 1135 changed this by creating the Alcohol Delivery Service Permit (ADP), opening the door for retail permittees and contracted delivery companies to legally deliver alcohol in wet counties.
- By March 2025, Mississippi also legalized direct wine shipping to customers.
Who Can Deliver Alcohol?
Key Requirements for Delivery Drivers
1. Age and Employment Eligibility
- Drivers must be 21 or older.
- No felony convictions involving alcohol or fraud.
2. Alcohol Delivery Service Permit (ADP)
- Required by either the retailer or the contracted delivery service.
- Issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) division.
- Comes with a $500 privilege license tax.
3. Delivery Area Restrictions
- Deliveries must occur within wet counties.
- Maximum distance: 30 miles from the retail location.
- Deliveries to dry counties are strictly prohibited.
4. ID Verification
- Customers must present a valid government-issued photo ID proving they are 21 or older.
- Delivery drivers are required to use ID scanning software provided by employers or platforms.
- Records of the scanned transaction must be kept for 90 days.
5. Packaging Rules
- All alcohol must remain in its original, sealed container.
- No open containers, and no tampering with factory seals.
6. Recordkeeping
- Businesses must maintain logs of deliveries, including date, time, recipient, and ID verification.
- Records must be made available to the ABC on request.
Restaurant and Bar Deliveries
Mississippi law also allows restaurants and bars to deliver alcohol as part of takeout and delivery orders:
- Alcohol must be delivered in sealed containers.
- Cocktails-to-go are currently allowed but will require a special permit starting January 1, 2026 under House Bill 2773.
- Food delivery must accompany alcohol orders in most cases.
Step-by-Step Guide for Alcohol Delivery in Mississippi
- Get Employed by a Licensed Business or Platform
Only authorized retailers and contracted third-party services may deliver alcohol. - Confirm the Permit
Verify that your employer holds a valid ADP from the Mississippi ABC. - Receive Training
While not mandated statewide, training is strongly encouraged by employers, insurers, and liability carriers.
Many businesses use recognized training programs for compliance and risk reduction. - Check Every ID
Never assume age. Always scan or inspect IDs carefully.
Mississippi requires records to be retained for 90 days. - Assess Customer Sobriety
If a customer is visibly intoxicated, refuse delivery. Liability protections only apply if drivers act responsibly. - Transport Safely
Keep alcohol sealed and stored separately from drivers and passengers during transit. - Log and Report Deliveries
Ensure all records are submitted and retained.
FAQs: Mississippi Alcohol Delivery
- Can you have alcohol delivered in Mississippi?
Yes, but only in wet counties and only by businesses or third-party delivery companies with an ADP. - What are the alcohol laws in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a patchwork system of wet and dry counties. Deliveries can only occur in wet counties. Alcohol must be sold in sealed containers and delivered within 30 miles of the retailer. - Is it legal to deliver alcohol in Mississippi?
Yes, as of 2021, with the proper permit and compliance with ABC regulations. - How late can you have alcohol delivered in Mississippi?
Delivery hours generally follow local retail sale hours, which vary by county. Most deliveries must end by 10:00 p.m., though some counties allow later. - Is it legal for DoorDash to deliver alcohol in Mississippi?
Yes, DoorDash can operate in Mississippi with an ADP contract. - Is it legal for Grubhub to deliver alcohol in Mississippi?
Yes, under the same conditions as DoorDash.
Business Responsibilities in Mississippi
- Employers must hold a valid Alcohol Delivery Service Permit.
- They must also submit a training outline to the ABC that covers:
ID verification.
Fake ID detection.
Handling intoxicated customers. - Safe delivery procedures.
- Employers face penalties, including permit suspension, for violations.
Why Training Still Matters Even If It’s Not State-Mandated
While Mississippi does not require state-approved training, having delivery staff complete certification programs has major advantages:
- Liability protection: Protects businesses under dram shop laws.
- Insurance requirements: Many insurers mandate training.
- Employer trust: Employers prefer certified drivers.
- Customer safety: Prevents sales to minors or intoxicated persons.
The National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification equips drivers with practical knowledge for compliance across multiple states, while the Mississippi Alcohol Awareness Training is ideal for on-premise staff such as bartenders, sellers, managers, and bouncers.
Best Alcohol Delivery Services in Mississippi
Delivery platforms and local businesses currently offering alcohol delivery include:
- DoorDash Alcohol Delivery Mississippi
- Grubhub Alcohol Delivery Mississippi
- Instacart (select regions)
- Local companies like MoonshineMS and Take a Break Deliveries
Expect more companies to enter the market as to-go cocktails and direct shipping expand in 2026.
Get Certified To Deliver Alcohol Safely
Alcohol delivery in Mississippi is a growing opportunity for drivers, restaurants, retailers, and third-party platforms. Since 2021, businesses have been allowed to deliver alcohol under strict guidelines—requiring permits, sealed containers, ID verification, and records of every transaction.
While statewide training is not mandated, responsible companies and drivers should still complete certification to reduce liability and stay compliant. The National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification is an excellent resource for delivery drivers, while bartenders, managers, and other alcohol industry workers can benefit from the Mississippi Alcohol Awareness Training.
By understanding Mississippi’s alcohol delivery laws and completing training, you’ll not only protect yourself but also gain a competitive edge in a fast-growing market.
