2 min article

Alcohol policy

Wine and other alcoholic beverages are only allowed by pre-approved sellers who hold a valid liquor licence. Buyers must be over 18 years of age.

This policy was updated on 23 January 2024. Our policy guidelines have not changed, but the information about activity that doesn't follow this policy has been updated for clarity.

Most alcohol products may be sold on eBay.com.au. However, there are different state laws on trading alcohol (see our Helpful links for relevant legislation from each state) and it is up to the seller to ensure that they are meeting all legal requirements, including holding the correct liquor licences.

What is the policy?

The sale of alcohol products is restricted to pre-approved sellers*, who must:
- Hold the required liquor licence(s) and display their applicable licence number(s) in the listing
- Ensure their listings and products comply with the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) - opens in new window or tab
- Only offer domestic postage and select a delivery service with age verification upon delivery
- Not sell to customers located in dry zones
- Include this disclaimer in their description verbatim:
  Buyers must be at least 18 years old and located outside a designated dry zone to purchase alcohol. For more information about buying or selling alcohol, please see here: https://www.ebay.com.au/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/alcohol-policy?id=4274
Collectable alcohol containers may be sold, but must be empty
The sale of stills for the distillation of alcohol is subject to the following requirements:
- Stills over five litres capacity cannot be bought, sold or possessed without permission from the Australian Taxation Office - opens in new window or tab
- Regardless of the size of the still used, distillation of alcohol at home without an excise licence is illegal

*To apply for approval to list in the Alcohol & Alcohol Mixers category, please contact us - opens in new window or tab. Be ready to provide your eBay username, your liquor licence number(s), Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN), registered business name and website. Approval to list in the category will be at eBay's discretion. Learn more about products with eligibility requirements.

Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn't, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.

Tip
Visit Seller Help to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.

Additional information

eBay requires buyers to provide their date of birth at checkout when paying for items listed in the Alcohol & Alcohol Mixers category. Sellers then see a message in the order details confirming that the buyer entered a date of birth indicating that they are over 18. (The actual date of birth is not shared with the seller.)

Some areas in Australia are considered 'dry zones'. A dry zone is an area where the consumption of alcohol is restricted or prohibited. eBay may block a transaction if a buyer is located in a dry zone and sellers must not sell to customers located in dry zones.

Why does eBay have this policy?

This policy helps you follow important federal and state regulations.

Helpful links

For more information about the rules for your state or the state(s) you're posting to, see:

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