Sam’s Club launches same-day delivery of alcohol

Sam’s Club announced this week that it has introduced same-day alcohol delivery in select markets across multiple states, including Ohio and the Dayton area.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based chain of warehouse stores joins several other large-scale grocery chains now offering delivery of beer and wine, including Meijer and Kroger, among others.

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Sam’s Club officials said in a release that shoppers using Instacart will be able to order from “hundreds of Sam’s Club alcohol options” to be delivered alongside groceries and household items. Customers ordering alcohol via Instacart must be over the age of 21 and are required to enter their date of birth at checkout and present a valid government ID at the time of delivery.

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Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Although a Sam’s Club national press release suggested that full-strength spirits would be part of the delivery options, that would be illegal in Ohio, according to a spokeswoman for the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. State law prohibits the delivery or shipment of full-strength liquor above 42 proof in Ohio, the liquor-control spokeswoman said. In addition, no Sam’s Club in Ohio is a contract agency liquor store, and only agency stores can legally sell liquor at retail in the Buckeye state, she said.

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But shipment and delivery of wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages 42 proof and less is legal with the proper licensing.

“Sam’s Club is focused on offering quality products, unexpected finds and better customer experiences,” Racquel Harris, vice president of adult beverage for Sam’s Club, said in a release. “Now you can select the perfect bottle of wine to complement your dinner or stock up on your favorite beer or spirits for the big game with the convenience of delivery.”

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To purchase alcohol at Sam's Club through Instacart, similar to purchasing groceries, customers can go online to www.SamsClub.com/Instacart or open the Instacart mobile app, select their city and Sam's Club, and search for beer or wine to add to their virtual basket.

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Kroger and Meijer both announced alcohol delivery service in Ohio last year. And it’s not just grocery stores that deliver wine and beer. Arrow Wine & Spirits has offered delivery of alcohol since its inception in 1934, and got its name from its delivery service.

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