Australia, Alcohol Action Station, 1-10-2025
Researchers from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, The University of Queensland and The George Institute have released a report titled, “Online sale, delivery and advertising of alcohol in Australia – behaviour, attitudes and support for change”. The research found that online alcohol sales and marketing are exposing Australians to increased harm, especially those who are most at risk, while laws are failing to keep up.
Professor Nicholas Carah from the University of Queensland said, “The research shows that people at higher risk of harm, including people likely experiencing alcohol dependency, were more likely to use delivery platforms. This is particularly concerning when alcohol ads now link directly to sales platforms and delivery can happen in 20 minutes, removing the buffer between advertising and purchase, and increasing impulse purchases and harm.”
Professor Simone Pettigrew from The George Institute said, “Our findings show the community is incredibly supportive of implementing measures to safeguard from harms of alcohol sold online and delivered rapidly into the home.”