Learn About Alcohol Delivery in Wyoming and Applicable Open Container Laws

In Wyoming, alcohol laws balance tradition with selective modernization. Unlike states that permit broad alcohol delivery, Wyoming limits who can participate. Certain license holders like retail liquor stores, microbreweries, and wineries may deliver sealed alcoholic beverages if they follow strict rules: sales must originate from the licensed premises, orders can be placed by phone or online, deliveries must occur the same day, customers must be 21+ with valid ID, and all containers must be sealed.
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However, most restaurants and bars don’t qualify. That’s because they usually operate under a Restaurant Liquor License or Bar & Grill license, which prohibit off-premise alcohol sales. Only establishments with a Full Retail Liquor License, far less common, can legally offer alcohol delivery or to-go cocktails. For the majority of restaurants, that means cocktails to-go are limited to pickup only, not delivery.

Wyoming’s open container laws add another layer of responsibility where delivery is allowed. Alcohol must remain sealed, properly stored, and inaccessible during transport. Any violation can result in fines or more serious penalties, making compliance training essential for staff and drivers alike.

For bartenders, managers, servers, and especially delivery drivers, understanding these laws isn’t optional. While the state does not legally require alcohol delivery certification, most employers and delivery companies do. That’s why many Wyoming professionals turn to programs like the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification, which covers ID verification, refusal skills, and compliance with open container restrictions.

This guide will cover Wyoming alcohol delivery rules, open container laws, and training certification requirements so you can work—and deliver—safely in the Cowboy State.

Does Wyoming Allow Alcohol Delivery?

Wyoming has some of the most limited alcohol delivery permissions. Let’s break it down:

1. Majority of Restaurants & Bars

  • Can sell cocktails to-go but only for pickup.

  • Customers must buy food along with their drinks.

  • Drinks must be sealed and transported legally (in the trunk or out of reach in the vehicle).

  • Delivery is not permitted.

2. Retail Liquor Stores

  • Can sell packaged beer, wine, and spirits for off-premise consumption.

  • Some may allow curbside pickup.

  • Delivery is typically not allowed unless local authorities approve it.

3. Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipments

  • Licensed wineries may ship limited amounts of wine to Wyoming consumers.

  • This is separate from restaurant/bar rules and has strict labeling and permit requirements.

4. Third-Party Services (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart)

  • Not broadly authorized for alcohol in Wyoming as of 2025.

  • May be limited to non-alcohol delivery or food-only service.

Bottom line: If you’re a driver in Wyoming, you can’t deliver cocktails or alcohol from restaurants. But delivery training is still valuable since many employers require it and because laws may shift in the future.

Wyoming Open Container Laws: What Drivers Must Know

Whether you’re a server, bartender, or delivery driver, understanding open container rules is essential.

Key Rules:

  • No open containers in vehicles: It’s illegal for drivers or passengers to have open alcohol in the passenger area of a car on public roads.

  • Definition: An open container means any bottle, can, or receptacle that has been opened, unsealed, or partially consumed.

  • Storage requirements: Sealed containers must be stored in the trunk, behind the back seats, or in another area not accessible to the driver.

  • Resealed restaurant wine: Exception for wine that’s been resealed in a tamper-evident bag with a receipt.

  • Penalties: Fines start around $200 for the first offense and increase for repeat violations.

In Practice for Delivery Drivers:

  • Always ensure beverages are sealed before transport.

  • Store alcohol in a secure area, not next to you in the passenger seat.

  • Never transport partially consumed alcohol, even for delivery.

Exceptions to Wyoming’s Open Container Rules

Most Wyoming communities follow statewide law, but a few have unique local ordinances:

Cheyenne (Downtown Development Authority District)

  • Allows open containers of beer and wine from 12 PM to 10 PM, but only on foot, within defined boundaries.

  • No vehicle exceptions.

Jackson

  • Has public intoxication laws, but not a specific open container ordinance.

  • In practice, this means enforcement leans on intoxication-related behavior rather than possession of an open drink.

For delivery drivers, these local exceptions do not override the vehicle laws.

Do You Have to Be Certified to Deliver Alcohol in Wyoming?

Here’s where Wyoming differs from some other states:

  • State Requirement: There is no statewide mandate requiring alcohol delivery drivers to hold certification.

  • Employer Requirement: Many companies—including Uber Eats, Instacart, and local liquor retailers—require alcohol delivery training as a condition of employment.

  • Insurance Requirement: Businesses often need proof of trained drivers to lower liability and insurance costs.

That’s why courses like the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification are popular: they provide the skills employers demand, even without a state mandate.

Who Should Get Certified in Wyoming?

Even though Wyoming doesn’t require it by law, these professionals benefit from certification:

  • Delivery Drivers – Uber Eats, Instacart, or local liquor store staff.

  • Bartenders & Servers – To strengthen compliance and improve employability.

  • Managers & Owners – To reduce liability risks and improve staff training.

  • Retail Workers – Anyone handling alcohol orders in grocery or liquor stores.

In addition, many Wyoming hospitality workers also complete Wyoming Alcohol Awareness Training, which focuses on on-premise service laws.

Pain Points in Wyoming’s Alcohol Delivery System

  1. Limited Delivery Permissions – Most restaurants can only offer pickup, not delivery.

  2. Employer-Driven Compliance – Workers may mistakenly assume no training is needed.

  3. Strict Open Container Laws – Misunderstanding storage rules can lead to violations.

  4. Insurance Liability – Employers may lose coverage without trained staff.

  5. Changing Local Ordinances – Exceptions like Cheyenne’s DDA can confuse drivers.

Trends in Alcohol Service and Delivery

  1. Third-Party Platforms – Even in restricted states, companies are lobbying for delivery expansion.

  2. Training as an Industry Standard – Certification is becoming an expected credential for hospitality and delivery staff.

  3. Digital Compliance Tools – More businesses use apps to verify age during alcohol sales.

  4. Consumer Demand – Alcohol delivery is one of the fastest-growing segments of e-commerce nationwide.

  5. Legislative Adjustments – States are revisiting alcohol delivery rules regularly since COVID-19 loosened restrictions.

Practical Tips for Delivery Drivers in Wyoming

  • Always check ID: Refuse delivery to anyone under 21 or visibly intoxicated.

  • Transport legally: Store alcohol in the trunk or secured compartment, not in the passenger area.

  • Stay updated: Local ordinances (like Cheyenne’s) can create exceptions.

  • Communicate with employers: Confirm if certification is required before starting.

  • Keep certification proof: Some employers and insurers require documentation.

Comply with Applicable Regulations

Wyoming may not allow broad alcohol delivery like some states, but compliance still matters for servers, bartenders, managers, and delivery drivers. Cocktails to-go require pickup, not delivery, and open container laws strictly regulate alcohol transport in vehicles.

Even without a legal mandate, most employers expect certification to reduce risks. Completing the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification ensures drivers meet industry standards, while the Wyoming Alcohol Awareness Training prepares on-premise staff to sell and serve responsibly.

By investing in training, Wyoming professionals not only protect themselves from violations but also boost employability in a competitive hospitality industry.