- 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.
- 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.
- Drivers must be 21 or older.
- No felony convictions involving alcohol or fraud.
- 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.
- Deliveries must occur within wet counties.
- Maximum distance: 30 miles from the retail location.
- Deliveries to dry counties are strictly prohibited.
- 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.
- All alcohol must remain in its original, sealed container.
- No open containers, and no tampering with factory seals.
- Businesses must maintain logs of deliveries, including date, time, recipient, and ID verification.
- Records must be made available to the ABC on request.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
