Canberra residents may soon face a two-hour wait for alcohol delivered to their door, a proposed change that has Uber Eats considering pulling its alcohol delivery service from the Australian Capital Territory. The potential disruption stems from new legislation aimed at curbing alcohol-fueled antisocial behavior, but delivery companies argue the measure is overly broad and will punish responsible drinkers.
Lucas Groeneveld, Australia and New Zealand retail general manager for Uber Eats, stated that the proposed two-hour cooling-off period would render their alcohol delivery business in the ACT “commercially unsustainable.” He indicated the company would “have no other option but to withdraw our alcohol delivery service from the market” if the legislation proceeds as currently drafted. The warning signals a potential shift in the availability of on-demand alcohol access for Canberrans.
Proposed Legislation and Industry Concerns
The ACT government, led by Attorney-General Tara Cheyne, first unveiled the proposed laws in October 2025, according to reporting from The Canberra Times. While details of the bill are still being finalized, the core provision centers around a mandatory two-hour delay between the time an order is placed and the alcohol is delivered. The intent is to allow individuals time to reconsider their purchase and potentially reduce impulsive drinking.
However, Uber Eats and DoorDash have voiced strong opposition, arguing that a blanket delay isn’t an effective solution. They suggest a more targeted approach, such as blocking problem drinkers from accessing instant alcohol deliveries, would be more appropriate. Groeneveld emphasized this point, stating that the delay is “not a targeted or evidence-based response to a serious and complex issue.” The companies fear the delay will simply push consumers to purchase alcohol from brick-and-mortar stores, potentially increasing drink driving, a concern Uber Eats specifically raised.
A History of Alcohol Delivery Debate in Canberra
The debate over alcohol delivery in Canberra isn’t new. In August 2023, Uber Eats launched a petition, backed by a playful campaign to rename the city “CanBEERa,” to celebrate the growth of the craft beer industry and the launch of its alcohol delivery service. BuzzFeed News reported on the initiative, which involved a town crier and signage proclaiming Canberra as “The Nation’s Capital (of beer).” This earlier effort highlighted the company’s investment in the Canberra market and its focus on responsible alcohol consumption.
The current situation represents a significant escalation of tensions between the delivery platforms and the ACT government. The potential withdrawal of Uber Eats’ service would limit consumer choice and could impact local businesses that rely on the platform for deliveries. The debate also raises broader questions about the regulation of on-demand alcohol services and the balance between public health concerns and individual freedoms.
Stakeholders and Potential Impacts
The proposed legislation directly affects several key stakeholders:
- ACT Residents: Could face longer wait times or reduced access to alcohol delivery services.
- Uber Eats and DoorDash: Face potential financial losses and market withdrawal.
- Local Businesses: May experience a decline in sales if alcohol delivery options are limited.
- ACT Government: Aims to reduce alcohol-related harm and antisocial behavior.
The impact on local breweries and pubs, which benefit from the increased reach provided by delivery services, remains uncertain. While the government aims to address broader public health concerns, the industry argues that a more nuanced approach is needed to avoid unintended consequences.
What’s Next?
The ACT Legislative Assembly is expected to continue debating the proposed legislation in the coming weeks. Uber Eats has expressed a willingness to “perform constructively” with the government to find a solution that balances harm reduction with responsible access to alcohol. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether Canberra residents will continue to enjoy the convenience of on-demand alcohol delivery, or if the city will become a test case for stricter regulations in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital alcohol sales.
The next key date is currently unconfirmed, but further updates on the bill’s progress can be found on the ACT Legislative Assembly website. The debate over alcohol delivery in Canberra underscores the challenges of regulating new technologies and the need for evidence-based policies that address complex social issues.
Have your say: What do you think about the proposed changes to alcohol delivery in the ACT? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
