Booze-on-Demand Service Drizly Expands to Newton

Drizly, an alcohol-on-demand service that bills itself as the “Amazon for alcohol,” is now available in Newton.

Users can order beer, wine, or liquor using the Drizly app. Delivery drivers, equipped with ID scanners, show up with the booze in 20-40 minutes. The company charges a $5 delivery fee and says it doesn’t mark up the price of the alcohol.

Drizly was founded last year by Boston College graduates Nick Rellas and Justin Robinson. It operates similar to Uber and Netflix. Drizly is currently available in the Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C. markets. It’s illegal in a small number of states like Virginia. One health expert recently told the Boston Globe Drizly could make it easier for alcoholics to over-consume.

Rellas has said he works with officials to ensure his company is following state laws.

This week, the company announced its service expanded to Newton and nine other Boston suburbs, including Lexington.

“The demand for alcohol delivery goes beyond city limits, Rellas said in a statement.

Drizly said it has raised $5 million so far. Most of its revenue comes from a license fee it charges partner retail stores.

Photo credit: Drizly

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