Fines for delivery services when delivering alcohol to under 18s

The Council of Ministers approved today the final step before the bill can be considered by the House of Representatives. The aim is for the new rules to take effect from 2027.

State Secretary Tielen: “Compliance with the legal age limit when ordering and home delivery is really inadequate. This is evident not only from studies on compliance with the age limit and youth purchasing behavior but also from inspection results by the NVWA. With this new ban, we will counter this. Everyone involved with alcohol and young people must always properly check age. We now arrange that the same consequences and fines apply to everyone if the law is not followed. For parcel delivery workers, the same rules apply as for people working in hospitality, supermarkets, and sports canteens.”

The cabinet wants to reduce the number of young people under 18 who drink alcohol. Alcohol use is especially harmful to young people. Minors can more easily become unconscious due to alcohol, it can disrupt brain development, and it can lead to alcohol problems later in life.

This amendment to the Alcohol Act is part of the first phase of the amendment process, which also requires a physical mark on the outer packaging. This clearly indicates that a package contains an age-restricted product.