Updated Guide for Getting a Grubhub Alcohol Delivery Certification

Imagine you’re a Grubhub delivery driver on a busy Saturday night. A high-value order comes in, including a bottle of wine. You’re excited about the tip—until you realize you’re not certified to deliver alcohol. The order gets reassigned, and you miss out on a prime earning opportunity.

Mar 11

Don't hesitate

Get Your Alcohol Delivery Training Certification Today.

This is the reality for many food delivery drivers and business owners who haven’t navigated the alcohol delivery certification process. With the U.S. online alcohol market growing rapidly—expected to surpass $40 billion by 2030—this sector offers substantial income potential.

However, delivering alcohol isn’t as simple as dropping off a pizza. Each state has its own regulations, and without proper training, delivery workers risk fines, account suspension, or even legal consequences.

For those in the delivery, hospitality, and food and beverage industries—such as bartenders, restaurant owners, and alcohol sellers—understanding how to get certified is crucial. This guide will break down Grubhub alcohol delivery certification, explain why it matters, and show you how to get started.

The ability to deliver alcohol legally isn’t just about compliance—it’s about unlocking new income opportunities. Many states require drivers and businesses to have certification before handling alcohol orders. This protects companies, customers, and drivers from potential legal issues while ensuring responsible alcohol sales.

Here’s why certification is essential:

Legal Protection
Alcohol laws vary widely between states. Some require additional permits, while others have strict delivery guidelines. Being certified ensures that you comply with local laws and avoid fines.
Increased Earnings
Alcohol orders often come with higher ticket values and bigger tips. Many customers tip well for alcohol deliveries, recognizing the added responsibility of verifying IDs and handling fragile items.
Job Security
Delivery platforms like Grubhub prefer certified drivers. Some even prioritize alcohol-trained drivers for high-value orders, giving you an advantage.
Reduced Liability
Delivering alcohol without proper certification can result in penalties for both drivers and businesses. Certified individuals are trained to avoid legal risks, such as delivering to minors or intoxicated individuals.
Industry Relevance
For bartenders, restaurant managers, and liquor store owners, understanding alcohol delivery laws expands business potential. Offering delivery services legally can attract more customers and boost sales.

Delivering alcohol comes with unique obstacles that food delivery drivers may not face. Here’s how to handle them:

ID Verification & Underage Sales
🔹 Problem: One of the biggest risks is delivering alcohol to minors. Some customers may use fake IDs or ask someone older to accept the order.
✅ Solution: Always scan the customer’s ID using the Grubhub app. Ensure the person accepting the order matches the ID photo. If there’s any doubt, refuse the delivery.
Handling Intoxicated Customers
🔹 Problem: Customers who are already intoxicated may become aggressive if denied alcohol.
✅ Solution: Follow the rule—if a customer appears visibly drunk, do not complete the delivery. If needed, contact Grubhub support for guidance.
State-Specific Restrictions
🔹 Problem: Some states require special permits that drivers may not be aware of.
✅ Solution: Before accepting alcohol orders, check your state’s specific licensing rules and get a National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification to ensure compliance.
App Glitches & Payment Issues
🔹 Problem: If an order includes alcohol but the system fails to prompt an ID check, drivers risk accidental violations.
✅ Solution: Always verify the ID manually, even if the app doesn’t prompt it. Keep a record of the ID verification in case of disputes.
Extra Training Costs
🔹 Problem: Some drivers hesitate to invest in certification, not realizing its long-term value.
✅ Solution: A National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification, like the one offered by Certification Experts, is affordable and widely accepted. This pays off in the form of higher earnings and priority orders.

One of the most overlooked aspects of Grubhub alcohol delivery is shared liability between drivers and alcohol-licensed merchants. Unlike traditional food delivery, alcohol orders place legal responsibility on both the delivery driver and the restaurant or retailer that sold the alcohol.

When a Grubhub driver delivers alcohol, they effectively act as the final compliance checkpoint in the transaction. Even if the restaurant is fully licensed, a delivery can still violate state law if age verification is skipped, if the recipient is intoxicated, or if the alcohol is handed to someone other than the purchaser. In these situations, liability may extend beyond the merchant to the driver personally.

This is why many alcohol-serving restaurants prefer Grubhub drivers who have completed alcohol delivery training. Certification demonstrates that a driver understands refusal protocols, ID verification standards, and intoxication assessment—reducing risk for everyone involved.

For drivers, certification provides legal protection and clarity. For restaurants and retailers, it helps ensure their delivery partners do not jeopardize liquor licenses or expose the business to fines or lawsuits. In states with dram shop or social host liability laws, this training becomes even more important.

In short, alcohol delivery certification is not just a driver requirement—it’s a critical risk-management tool that supports Grubhub’s alcohol delivery ecosystem as a whole.

Do Grubhub drivers need alcohol delivery certification?
Grubhub does not issue certification directly, but drivers must comply with state and local alcohol delivery laws. In many states, this includes completing alcohol delivery training before accepting alcohol orders.
Can restaurants require Grubhub drivers to be certified?
Yes. Some alcohol-licensed restaurants and retailers only release alcohol orders to drivers who meet state training requirements. Certification helps ensure compliance and protects the merchant’s liquor license.
What happens if alcohol is delivered to the wrong person?
Delivering alcohol to anyone other than the verified purchaser may violate state law. Drivers must ensure the recipient matches the ID presented and refuse delivery if verification cannot be completed.
Does Grubhub verify alcohol certification?
Grubhub may require drivers to opt in to alcohol delivery and may request proof of eligibility depending on state law. Ultimately, drivers are responsible for maintaining compliance and certification where required.
Are Grubhub alcohol orders higher paying?
Alcohol deliveries often have higher order values and may result in larger tips. Many customers tip more for alcohol orders due to the added responsibility of ID checks and compliance.
What should I do if an alcohol order feels unsafe?
Drivers should trust their judgment. If a customer appears intoxicated, refuses ID, or becomes confrontational, the delivery should be declined and documented in the Grubhub app, with support contacted if needed.
Is alcohol delivery allowed on Grubhub in every state?
No. Alcohol delivery availability depends on state and local laws. Some states allow delivery with permits, while others restrict or prohibit it entirely. Always verify availability in your delivery zone.
How long does alcohol delivery certification last?
Certification validity varies by provider and state. Some programs require renewal, while others provide lifetime access with updates when laws change. Drivers should stay informed about local requirements.
Can alcohol delivery certification be used for other platforms?
Yes. A nationally recognized alcohol delivery training certification is often transferable and can be used for multiple delivery apps, grocery services, and alcohol retailers.

The demand for alcohol delivery is soaring, and certified professionals stand to gain the most. Whether you're a Grubhub driver, bartender, or business owner, getting certified opens doors to new revenue streams while ensuring legal compliance.

The National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification is an excellent starting point for those looking to master alcohol delivery regulations. With proper certification, you’ll be able to accept more orders, boost your earnings, and stay legally protected.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity—get certified today and take your delivery business to the next level!