A new feature from payment platform Square will make it easier for restaurants, bars and breweries to sell alcohol online.
The update to the Square Online platform removes some of the key hurdles of on-demand alcohol delivery. It integrates DoorDash as the delivery provider, for instance, and the driver will be responsible for verifying the customer's age. All the restaurant has to do is prepare the order. Each transaction carries a $1.50 Square fee and a delivery commission.
“We’re excited to offer a new way for restaurants, retailers, and alcohol sellers to get the most out of their current inventory,” said David Rusenko, head of e-commerce at Square, in a statement.
The ability to sell highly profitable alcohol for off-premise consumption has been a boon for restaurants during the pandemic. Many states eased their rules around alcohol delivery last year, and some have made those changes permanent.
The new Square feature is currently available in the 16 states where alcohol delivery is allowed: California, Connecticut, D.C., Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Square will expand it to others "as state alcohol restrictions evolve," a spokesperson said.
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