Alcohol Delivery In Mississippi: What's The Law?

As of July 1, 2021, it is legal to have alcohol delivered in Mississippi. However, there are several conditions that must be met. Firstly, only certain permittees, including retail permittees such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and bars, and delivery companies that contract with these retailers, are allowed to deliver alcoholic beverages. Additionally, deliveries can only be made within wet counties in Mississippi and within a 30-mile radius of the retail location. Permit holders must also verify the recipient's age using ID scanning software and keep records of the transaction for 90 days. While Mississippi allows alcohol delivery from local retailers, it is still illegal to ship or bring liquor and wine into the state from outside.

Alcohol delivery is now legal in Mississippi

Permit holders must verify a recipient's age using ID scanning software and keep records of the transaction for 90 days. They must also ensure their delivery staff receive TIPS training (Training for Intervention Procedures) to reduce liability.

Deliveries can only be made to individuals within wet counties in Mississippi and within a 30-mile radius of the retail location. Delivered products cannot be resold by the recipient.

While Mississippi still doesn't allow wine or liquor to be shipped into the state, the new law change allows consumers to have alcoholic beverages delivered from their local retailer.

Only certain permittees can deliver alcohol

While Mississippi previously prohibited the shipping of liquor and wine into the state, a law change that came into effect on July 1, 2021, now allows for the delivery of alcoholic beverages, including beer, light wine, and light spirits. However, only certain permittees are allowed to deliver alcohol.

The new law allows two types of applicants to obtain an alcohol delivery service permit (ADP):

• A retail permittee, such as a liquor store, grocery store, bar, brewery, or brewpub
• A delivery company that contracts with one of these retail permittees

Retail permittees can solicit orders via phone, the internet, or other electronic means, such as through an app, as long as they maintain control over payment receipt and the remittance of applicable taxes to the state. They can either make deliveries themselves or outsource this service to a third party with an ADP.

For delivery companies, a sample contract must be submitted that outlines the applicant's intention to enter into an agreement with a retail permittee. All applicants must also include an outline of personnel training that addresses topics like identifying fake IDs and dealing with intoxicated individuals.

To obtain an ADP, applications must be submitted to the Alcoholic Beverage Control division of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, along with a $500 privilege license tax.

It is important to note that deliveries can only be made within "wet" counties in Mississippi and within a 30-mile radius of the retail location. Additionally, delivered products cannot be resold by the recipient, and recipients must be of legal drinking age, which ADP permittees must verify using ID scanning software.

ID scanning software must be used to verify age

Alcohol delivery has been made legal in Mississippi, with the passage of HB 1135 during the 2021 legislative session. This law allows certain permittees to deliver alcoholic beverages, including beer, light wine, and light spirit products, to consumers within the state. However, it is important to note that Mississippi has strict regulations regarding alcohol, and there are still some restrictions on the delivery of alcoholic beverages.

One of the critical requirements for alcohol delivery in Mississippi is the use of ID scanning software to verify the age of the recipient. To obtain an alcohol delivery service permit (ADP), applicants must demonstrate their ability to verify the age of delivery recipients using ID scanning software. This technology ensures that the recipient is of legal drinking age, which is set at 21 years or older in Mississippi. The use of ID scanning software adds a layer of security and helps businesses comply with age verification requirements.

The ID scanning software provides a digital solution for age verification, reducing the risk of human error or fraudulent activities associated with manual age checks. It can instantly scan and extract relevant information from government-issued identification documents, such as driver's licenses or passports. By comparing the extracted data, including the date of birth, to the current date, the software verifies whether the customer meets the minimum age requirement. This process helps prevent the sale of alcohol to minors and ensures compliance with state regulations.

In addition to the ID scanning software, delivery staff should also receive adequate training to identify fake IDs and handle situations involving intoxicated individuals. This comprehensive approach ensures that alcohol deliveries are made responsibly and in accordance with the law. The combination of technology and staff training creates a robust system to mitigate the risks associated with alcohol delivery and protect the safety of the community.

To summarize, the legalization of alcohol delivery in Mississippi comes with specific requirements, including the mandatory use of ID scanning software to verify the age of recipients. This technology enhances the accuracy and efficiency of age verification, supporting responsible alcohol sales and distribution within the state. By implementing ID scanning software, businesses can ensure compliance with legal age restrictions and contribute to a safer environment for their customers and the community at large.

Homemade wine and beer are legal, but cannot be sold

Mississippi has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the United States. While it is legal to make your own wine and beer at home, there are strict regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Homemade Wine and Beer:

In Mississippi, individuals are permitted to make their own wine and beer for personal consumption. However, there are specific guidelines that must be followed:

• Homemade wine and beer cannot be sold. They are for domestic or household use only.
• The person making the wine or beer must be at least 21 years of age and must reside in a "wet" county or municipality.
• The volume of homemade beer is limited. If there is only one person over the age of 21 in the household, they can produce up to 100 gallons per year. If there are two or more people over 21 in the household, the limit is 200 gallons per year.
• Homemade wine must be made through the fermentation of grapes, fruits, or berries, in accordance with federal revenue laws. It does not include distilled spirits or hard liquor.
• Distilled beverages, such as whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka, are illegal to manufacture in Mississippi without a permit.

Alcohol Delivery in Mississippi:

As of July 1, 2021, a new law allows for the delivery of alcoholic beverages, including beer, light wine, and light spirit products, directly to consumers in Mississippi. However, there are several restrictions and requirements in place:

• Only certain permittees, including retail stores like liquor stores and grocery stores, and delivery companies that contract with these retailers, are allowed to deliver alcohol.
• Deliveries can only be made within \"wet\" counties in Mississippi and within a 30-mile radius of the retail location.
• Recipients' ages must be verified using ID scanning software before handing over the delivery.
• Delivered products cannot be resold by the recipient.
• Permittees must keep records of transactions for 90 days and comply with training requirements, such as spotting fake IDs and dealing with intoxicated persons.

While this new law expands consumer access to alcohol in Mississippi, it is important to note that the state still has strict regulations surrounding alcohol, including prohibitions on bringing wine and liquor into the state.

Open container laws are enforced in Brookhaven, Mississippi

Mississippi has some of the most relaxed open container laws in the United States. It is the only state that allows drivers to have open containers of alcohol while driving. However, drivers must not exceed the blood alcohol limit and keep their blood alcohol level below 0.08%.

To obtain an alcohol delivery service permit (ADP), two types of applicants are eligible: a retail permittee (such as a liquor store, grocery store, bar, brewery, or brewpub) and a delivery company that contracts with one of these retail permittees. Permittees may solicit orders by phone, the internet, or other electronic means, such as through an app. However, the original retail permittee must maintain control over the receipt of payment and remittance of all applicable taxes to the state.

To ensure compliance with the law, an ADP permittee must verify a delivery recipient's age using ID scanning software and keep records of the transaction for 90 days. In addition, delivery staff should receive TIPS training (Training for Intervention Procedures) to reduce potential liability.

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