Here’s How Jeff Bezos Tried To Singlehandedly Alter The Booze Market

Although Amazon’s billionaire founder started out as a humble online book merchant, Jeff Bezos has made it clear that he intends to take over as much of the global consumer market as possible.

A recent report confirms that his goal included turning the alcohol industry on its head.

Amazon’s plan to change the laws

According to an internal document from 2021 that was released publicly this week, the world’s biggest retailer sought to redefine prevailing laws and regulations surrounding the sale of alcohol. Naturally, the goal appears to be rooted in securing bigger profits for Amazon.

The confidential document outlined a desire to, among other things, loosen restrictions on alcohol delivery and allow booze to be purchased via the automatic payment systems in place at Amazon-owned physical grocery stores.

The company had enlisted the services of a think tank known for championing free-market policies and wanted that organization to serve as a middleman.

Behind the scenes, however, Amazon was the one putting pressure on state lawmakers to enact reforms that would benefit its bottom line.

Where things currently stand

It’s difficult to determine what impact Amazon’s campaign actually had. And to be clear, it’s been legal to deliver alcohol since well before the 2021 document was drafted.

Companies like Drizly and DoorDash tapped into this market as everyone ordered in during the pandemic lockdowns.

But if the retail giant has its way, the current restrictions that make the process expensive and labor-intensive for retailers won’t be standing in their way for long.

44 U.S. states currently allow some form of alcohol delivery, but it’s important to note that laws vary widely among each of them. And the remaining six states have very strict regulations or complete bans on booze delivery.

They include:

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Rhode Island
• Utah

Chris Agee March 3rd, 2023

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