Debate over proposed liquor delivery regulations in Clark County

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A debate is brewing in Clark County over proposed liquor delivery regulations as leaders seek to deny minors access to alcohol while some drivers express concerns about the restrictions impact on customers.

FOX5 first told you about the effort to draft an ordinance to regulate the distribution of alcohol through popular third-party apps. In 2021, the state parliament legalized the delivery of spirits to third parties.

“We have a responsibility to be aware of the negative impacts such a policy could bring,” Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy told FOX5 in April 2023. “We don’t want our children to have alcohol.” ”

Although the state already prohibits deliveries to minors and intoxicated customers, cities and counties can set their own regulations.

Under Clark County’s proposed ordinance, a delivery driver must be at least 21 years old.

Sealed alcohol from grocery stores, liquor stores, or even bars must be placed in the delivery driver’s trunk or in an area without passengers.

If a passenger is in a vehicle carrying an alcohol delivery, the passenger must be at least 21 years of age.

New certifications or licenses may be required, according to documents in the proposed regulation.

“A liquor store or a liquor delivery service acting on behalf of a liquor store must ensure that any independent contractors it engages as drivers for deliveries have a county business license,” the proposed ordinance states.

The documents also specify that delivery drivers must have “a valid alcohol education card issued by an alcoholic beverage education program” — or TAM card, which is typically required by bartenders, servers and some retailers.

“We don’t serve the alcohol, we just deliver it,” said Adam Shepherd, a delivery driver who spoke to FOX5, raising concerns that too many regulations could leave drivers out of work — and customers without options for delivery.

“If you have drivers like me who are willing to fulfill these orders and then all of a sudden we’re out of the market and unable to do that, you’re looking at fewer drivers, possibly no drivers at all,” said Shepherd.

App delivery service DoorDash tells FOX5 it has concerns about proposed regulations that could hinder customers’ orders and access. A company spokesperson told FOX5 that thousands of drivers have sent emails and letters to district managers.

A spokesperson sent this statement, telling FOX5 that company officials are speaking with district leaders:

Unfortunately, this regulation imposes unnecessary and unprecedented restrictions on third-party alcohol delivery in Nevada, thereby limiting Dashers’ access to important earning opportunities. We urge the county to reconsider the current proposal and continue to work with us so Dashers can help provide safe and responsible delivery in their communities.”

FOX5 reached out to county leaders about several concerns.

The public hearing on the ordinance will take place on November 5th during the County Commission meeting.

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