Grieving Sister Calls for Stricter Alcohol Delivery Regulations After Sibling's Death, Blames Apps

A grieving sister is calling for stricter regulations on alcohol delivery services after her sibling's death, revealing how easy it became to access large quantities of alcohol through apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Zoe Hughes, a mother of two, was found dead at her home in Lincolnshire on July 24, 2023, following a years-long battle with alcoholism. Her sister, Alexandria Hughes, 31, claims Zoe spent between £1,000 and £1,500 monthly on alcohol and cigarettes delivered directly to her door, a habit that intensified in the months before her death.

Alexandria has launched a petition urging the UK government to introduce purchase limits, stronger age checks, and monitoring systems on delivery platforms. She argues that the lack of oversight allows vulnerable individuals to obtain alcohol without the same safeguards applied in physical stores. 'If someone is drunk in a pub, they wouldn't be served. So why are delivery apps allowed to do it?' she said. Her concerns are amplified by reports that delivery drivers allegedly used contact details from Zoe's orders to send unsolicited messages, gifts, and even love notes, suggesting a lack of accountability in the system.

Zoe's addiction was compounded by underlying mental health struggles. Alexandria revealed her sister also battled bulimia and anorexia, highlighting how addiction often intertwines with other conditions. 'It's about control,' she said. 'People say it's an escape, but it's not always that simple.' Despite her illness, Zoe remained a devoted mother, with family members describing her as 'the kindest parent' who never forgot her children's birthdays or sent heartfelt messages.

The case has sparked debate about the role of delivery apps in exacerbating addiction. Alexandria's petition argues that current measures, such as age verification and sobriety checks, are insufficient. 'Just Eat's own terms say alcohol should not be handed to someone who is already drunk, yet there's no real process to monitor that,' she said. She calls for a ban on alcohol sales through delivery services or, at minimum, the implementation of safeguards that prevent vulnerable users from accessing large quantities.

In response, Deliveroo and Uber Eats have stated they comply with licensing rules and conduct age verification checks. A Deliveroo spokesperson said: 'Our specialist account suspension or deactivation policy is enforced when we are notified of a customer safety concern.' Uber Eats added that couriers are required to verify the recipient's date of birth using physical ID and conduct a sobriety check before completing an order. However, both companies noted they lacked sufficient details to investigate Zoe's case, as the events occurred several years ago.

Experts warn that the rise of alcohol delivery services is contributing to a 'hidden epidemic' of addiction, particularly among older adults. NHS data shows that 23 per cent of women aged 55–64 exceed the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week, increasing their risk of cancer and dependence. Doctors note that many individuals fail to recognize their problem because they are not physically dependent on alcohol, avoiding withdrawal symptoms. The CAGE questionnaire, a four-question screening tool, is often used to identify 'functioning alcoholics' who may not exhibit obvious signs of addiction.

Alcohol-related deaths in England and Wales have surged, reaching over 10,000 in 2022—up by a third since the start of the pandemic. Alexandria's campaign underscores the need for systemic change, emphasizing that addiction cannot be addressed without confronting the accessibility of alcohol through digital platforms. 'You wouldn't be served three or four bottles of wine at a pub if you were clearly intoxicated,' she said. 'Why is it different with delivery?' Her sister's death has become a rallying cry for reform, urging policymakers to prioritize public health over convenience in the alcohol delivery industry.