New alcohol delivery service for UCF area has police agencies concerned

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The number of underage drivers being charged for being under the influence is on the rise, according to law enforcement agencies. They said the problem is especially pronounced in the University of Central Florida area.
 
Channel 9's Steve Barrett learned that there are concerns a new delivery service could add to the problem.
 
With graduations taking place on the UCF campus there come more opportunities to celebrate for students. And now there's a new way to get party favors.
 
 UCF is now one of only two areas in the country being targeted by a new alcohol delivery service called DrinkDrivers.com. The website promises to deliver liquor, beer and wine right to students' doorsteps.
 
"You can always get it. So whether or not it gets delivered to your house or not it's just like a service of whether you eat and get delivery or not. It's personal choice," said UCF graduate Jason Evans.
 
On the website students can order everything from beer to hard liquor and even the mixers to go with their beverages.
 
Students and graduates who spoke with Channel 9's Steve Barrett said they see benefits and pitfalls to the idea of alcohol delivery.
 
"I think it could be a good idea. It might influence people to drink more heavily, but I think in the long run it might reduce DUIs," one student said.
 
Law enforcement officials have been concerned about the drunken driving problem around the UCF campus for a long time – DUI arrests are common in the areas -- and that's one thing DrinkDrivers.com uses to their marketing advantage. Its website says "Getting drinks is now easier and safer than ever."
 
  The website makes it clear that purchasers will be carded upon delivery.
 
But police agencies still worry about increased underage drinking, no matter where the booze comes from.
 
"Underage drinking for DUI has almost doubled in the last year. We're seeing more people under the age of 21 drinking then getting behind the wheel and getting arrested," said Sgt. Kim Montes with the Florida Highway Patrol.

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