Following a tragic case involving Kathleen Arnold, a 30-year-old woman, the future of alcohol delivery services in Victoria may be compromised. Arnold, who had a history of mental health and substance abuse issues, was found deceased in her Heidelberg home on September 16, 2023, having consumed a significant amount of alcohol, despite being sober for a few days prior. A coroner’s report revealed that she had received over 300 alcoholic products within six months leading up to her death, raising concerns about the accessibility and convenience of such services.
Coroner Ingrid Giles has recommended restrictions on alcohol deliveries, proposing a curfew from 10pm to 10am and a two-hour gap between orders to mitigate risks. Giles highlighted the dangers posed by the rapid delivery of alcohol, emphasising the need for reform to lessen alcohol-related harms. Arnold’s mother had previously raised issues with local authorities about her daughter’s alcohol delivery experiences, which included receiving alcohol outside permissible hours and without proper identification checks.
Health officials have noted a 50% increase in the demand for alcohol treatment services since the rise of these delivery options during the pandemic. The debate continues on whether to regulate or ban such services, with suggestions for enhanced support rather than outright prohibition. The government is expected to consider these findings and take necessary actions.