How you might still be able to get cocktails delivered to your door

Restaurants and cafes around the country are working out ways to keep their businesses from going under amid the coronavirus lockdowns, with many launching takeaway and home delivery services this week.

However, when it comes to running a bar, things are a little more difficult than simply bringing you a margarita to your doorstep due to each state’s liquor licensing laws.

But the NSW Government could be lifting certain restrictions which would allow bars to deliver during the coronavirus pandemic.

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello recognised that while many restaurants and cafes were able to get takeaway services up and running, bars were left shut down due to NSW's alcohol licensing conditions.

He said the government “had to be agile”, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

“We've got to think of the health of the people, but we've also got to think of the health of the economy and we are transitioning to a takeaway and delivery economy as we fight coronavirus,”.

Cocktail delivery has already taken off in New York, where happy hour has moved online, and a spokesperson for Blossom Bar in Sydney told Yahoo Lifestyle they “would love to jump on this”.

“We already pre batch cocktails and we do a range of ‘canned cocktails’ would love to deliver these but currently are not allowed,” they said.

The owner of The Rio in Summer Hill Tess Robens admits they decided last week to start promoting a delivery menu of freshly bottled cocktails to begin from Tuesday, despite current government regulations.

“We are full steam ahead. We can't afford to wait out a couple of months for a tax rebate. My staff need money,” Tess told Sydney Morning Herald.

Is it still safe to order food on delivery apps?

There has been no advice issued from health organisations warning against ordering food to your door and delivery services have put in measures to boost safety.

“The health and safety of everyone in the Menulog community - restaurants, couriers and customers - is our top priority,” a Menulog spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia previously.

The food delivery service says the company has been monitoring advice from both the World Health Organisation and the Australian government.

The spokesperson said the business was rolling out a contactless delivery option “to help restaurants, couriers and customers maintain appropriate social distancing amid the COVID-19 situation”.

Uber Eats, Menulog and Deliveroo all announced they will have a ‘contactless delivery’ option available for people to select when ordering.

Customers can select the option upon placing their order, doing so is particularly important for those who are in quarantine - whether they are a confirmed case or awaiting results.

The contactless delivery option means people can choose to have their food left in a safe place - like on their doorstep.

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