The family of Tom Greest, who died of alcohol abuse aged 33 in March 2025, is campaigning for restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be bought through food delivery apps. His cousin, Anissa Khalfa, 18, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, said Mr Greest often had alcohol delivered two or three times a day.
Ms Khalfa stated that 60 wine bottles were found at his home before his death, and she believes rapid delivery apps played a part in his passing. Mr Greest suffered liver and heart complications, and the cause of death was alcoholic ketoacidosis, a condition caused by heavy drinking combined with a lack of food.
Ms Khalfa is campaigning with the charity Alcohol Change UK to strengthen rules for rapid delivery services. A survey by the charity indicated that 22% of UK adults use these services to order alcohol at least once a week, with heavier drinkers reportedly more likely to use them weekly.
UberEats, which Mr Greest reportedly used, expressed sorrow for the family's loss. A spokesman for the company said the safety and wellbeing of their community is a priority and they are committed to responsible alcohol delivery, adding that couriers verify age and conduct sobriety checks for alcohol orders.