Characteristics associated with buying alcohol to‐go and for delivery during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic among a national sample of US adults

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThis study: (i) determined the population coverage of alcohol delivery and to‐go/carryout policies (i.e., policies permitting bars/restaurants to sell individual drinks for off‐site consumption) in 2019 and 2020; and (ii) identified characteristics associated with alcohol delivery and to‐go purchases.MethodsData are from the National Alcohol Survey and Alcohol Policy Information System (n = 1677 adults, 52.1% female). Population coverage models summed state populations across state‐level bar/restaurant delivery and to‐go/carryout policies by beverage. Regression outcomes were past‐year alcohol delivery and to‐go purchases. Independent variables included demographics, excessive drinking, COVID‐19 impacts and state COVID‐19 bar/restaurant alcohol laws. Chi‐squared tests and logistic regression models tested associations between delivery/to‐go purchases and independent variables.ResultsOverall, 7.5% of adults had alcohol delivered and 14.5% bought alcohol to‐go. From December 2019 to December 2020, the number of people living in states allowing beer/wine/spirits delivery (284%) and to‐go sales (627%) rose steeply. People who were Black (vs. White; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.92, p < 0.001), excessive drinkers (vs. non‐excessive drinkers; aOR 2.06, p < 0.001) or lived in states allowing beer/wine/spirits to‐go sales (aOR 2.20, p = 0.01) had higher odds of buying alcohol to‐go. Conversely, older people had lower odds of buying alcohol to‐go (aOR 0.97, p < 0.001). People with some college or more (vs. high school degree or less, aOR 2.21, p < 0.001) and a higher economic burden (vs. fewer COVID‐19 impacts, aOR 2.32, p = 0.05) had higher odds of alcohol delivery.Discussion and ConclusionsA select sub‐population defined by socioeconomic status, race, excessive drinking and state policies bought alcohol for delivery or to‐go in the Unites States.