The convenience of modern technology has brought many luxuries to our doorstep, quite literally. One such luxury is the ability to have alcohol delivered to our homes with just a few taps on a smartphone. But as we’ve recently been reminded, convenience can sometimes come at a tragic cost.
In a sobering incident that has sparked widespread concern, 30-year-old Kathleen Arnold from Heidelberg, Victoria, was found dead by her mother after succumbing to alcohol poisoning. The coroner’s investigation revealed a harrowing detail: Kathleen had more than 300 alcohol products delivered to her in the six months leading up to her death.
On that fateful day, September 16, 2023, Kathleen had been sober for approximately four days. However, a post-mortem examination found her blood alcohol level to be at least 0.54, a lethal amount that far exceeds the legal limit for driving. This tragic outcome has led to a coronial inquest and a call for urgent reforms in the alcohol delivery industry.
Kathleen’s mother, Jennifer Martin, shared with the coroner that her daughter had a long-standing battle with mental health issues and substance misuse, which began in her early teens. Despite engaging with multiple alcohol and drug services and managing to reduce her drinking at times, the ease of access to alcohol through delivery platforms proved to be a significant barrier to maintaining her sobriety.
The investigation into Kathleen’s use of alcohol delivery services painted a stark picture of the current system’s shortcomings. It was found that she had purchased 319 alcohol-based products in the six months before her death. This excessive consumption was facilitated by the very platforms designed to offer convenience, but which, in this case, contributed to a tragic outcome.
Coroner Ingrid Giles, has recommended several measures to mitigate the risks associated with alcohol delivery services. These include imposing a curfew for alcohol deliveries between 10pm and 10am, introducing a two-hour delay between orders, and urging the state government to develop a comprehensive action plan to address alcohol-related harms.
‘The circumstances in which Kathleen died, tragically illustrate the consequences of Victorians being able to have alcohol delivered to them swiftly, easily, and late at night,’ Giles stated. She believes that ‘relatively straightforward reform has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of harms associated with alcohol accessed via delivery provider platforms.’
The issue had been previously raised by Kathleen’s mother with their local MP, who had concerns about alcohol being delivered outside of legislated hours, in excessive quantities, and without proper ID screening. In some instances, alcohol was even delivered while Kathleen was connected to medical equipment.
Chris Christoforou, chief executive of the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association, noted a 50% increase in demand for alcohol treatment since the rise of delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocates for better regulation and education rather than outright banning these services.
Caterina Giorgi, chief executive of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, echoed the urgency for government action, emphasising that ‘every phone is a bottle shop’ in the current climate, making it incredibly challenging for individuals attempting to overcome addiction.
Retail Drinks, representing liquor retailers and delivery apps, argued that a two-hour delay might not be effective, referencing a 2023 Frontier Economics report which suggested that most online alcohol sales and deliveries occur in a non-same-day environment. They stress the importance of providing strong support services for individuals with a history of substance misuse.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, along with Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt, has committed to considering the coroner’s findings and recommendations.
What are your thoughts on the current state of alcohol delivery services? Do you think stricter regulations could help prevent similar tragedies in the future? We’d love to hear your views and experiences. Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s continue the conversation on how we can advocate for responsible alcohol service and consumption.
Also read: Alcohol and cancer: Is it time for warning labels in Australia?
