What’s Changing in 2026: New Alcohol Delivery Laws 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
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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?

  • Retailers such as liquor stores, grocery stores, bars, and breweries that hold valid permits.

  • Third-party delivery companies (e.g., DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart) contracting with permittees.

  • Licensed alcohol delivery staff working under a valid ADP.

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.

2026 Cocktails-to-Go Permit Requirements in Mississippi (House Bill 2773)

Starting January 1, 2026, Mississippi will introduce new compliance requirements for restaurants and bars offering cocktails-to-go, following the passage of House Bill 2773. While cocktails-to-go are currently permitted under temporary and transitional rules, the new law formalizes the process by requiring a specific cocktails-to-go permit issued through the Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

This change is expected to significantly impact restaurants, bars, and alcohol delivery drivers, especially those working with third-party platforms.

Who Needs a Cocktails-to-Go Permit in 2026?

Beginning in 2026, the following businesses will be required to hold a cocktails-to-go permit:

  • Restaurants with on-premise alcohol permits
  • Bars and lounges authorized to sell mixed drinks
  • Businesses offering alcohol as part of takeout or delivery orders

This permit is separate from, but often paired with, the Alcohol Delivery Service Permit (ADP) when alcohol is delivered off-premise.

How to Apply for a Mississippi Cocktails-to-Go Permit

Applications will be processed through the Mississippi Department of Revenue – Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). While final administrative rules may evolve, businesses should expect the application process to include:

  • Proof of a valid on-premise alcohol permit
  • Submission of an alcohol service and delivery compliance plan
  • Payment of a permit fee (final costs to be confirmed by ABC)
  • Agreement to packaging, labeling, and recordkeeping standards

Restaurants and bars that already hold an ADP for alcohol delivery will typically need both permits to legally deliver cocktails-to-go in 2026.

Packaging and Delivery Rules for Cocktails-to-Go

Under House Bill 2773, cocktails-to-go must meet strict packaging standards:

  • Drinks must be in sealed, tamper-evident containers
  • No open lids, straws, or broken seals
  • Containers must prevent consumption during transport
  • Alcohol delivery must generally be accompanied by food, unless otherwise permitted by local rules

Failure to comply with packaging rules can expose both the business and the delivery driver to penalties.

What Delivery Drivers Need to Know in 2026

For delivery drivers, cocktails-to-go introduce higher liability and enforcement expectations:

  • ID verification is mandatory, even if the order includes food
  • Drivers must assess customer sobriety at the point of delivery
  • Refusing delivery to an intoxicated customer is legally required
  • Sealed cocktails should never be opened, altered, or handed off to third parties

Drivers should also be aware that dram shop liability protections may depend on whether reasonable steps—such as ID checks and sobriety assessments—were followed.

Training, Liability, and Evolving Enforcement

While Mississippi does not currently mandate statewide alcohol delivery training, expanded cocktails-to-go privileges are expected to bring:

  • Increased ABC audits
  • Stricter platform compliance rules
  • Higher insurance and liability standards

As cocktails-to-go become a permanent part of Mississippi law in 2026, both businesses and delivery drivers benefit from understanding responsible service principles, intoxication risks, and documentation requirements—especially when transporting mixed drinks rather than sealed retail alcohol.

Step-by-Step Guide for Alcohol Delivery in Mississippi

  1. Get Employed by a Licensed Business or Platform
    Only authorized retailers and contracted third-party services may deliver alcohol.

  2. Confirm the Permit
    Verify that your employer holds a valid ADP from the Mississippi ABC.

  3. 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.

  4. Check Every ID
    Never assume age. Always scan or inspect IDs carefully.
    Mississippi requires records to be retained for 90 days.

  5. Assess Customer Sobriety
    If a customer is visibly intoxicated, refuse delivery. Liability protections only apply if drivers act responsibly.

  6. Transport Safely
    Keep alcohol sealed and stored separately from drivers and passengers during transit.

  7. 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

  1. Employers must hold a valid Alcohol Delivery Service Permit.

  2. They must also submit a training outline to the ABC that covers:
    ID verification.
    Fake ID detection.
    Handling intoxicated customers.

  3. Safe delivery procedures.

  4. 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.