Teri Black, a 64-year-old foster carer from Wirral, Merseyside, is calling for supermarkets and delivery companies to introduce safeguards to prevent vulnerable people from ordering large quantities of alcohol online after her daughter Carla died from cirrhosis at age 38.
The tragic story of Carla Black
Carla, a mother of one and administrative worker, had always been a social drinker, but her habits worsened after a miscarriage and a difficult breakup. She was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. Teri's grandson, now 19, alerted her to Carla's drinking problem about 18 months before her death.
Despite being unable to walk to the shops, Carla was able to order vast amounts of alcohol online. The week before she died, she ordered 18 bottles of wine through delivery services. Teri said, “By the time I found out how bad things were for Carla, it was advanced. Five months before she passed away, she told me she had cirrhosis and I was in total shock.”
The loophole in alcohol delivery
Teri discovered that supermarkets hold the alcohol license, while delivery companies often avoid responsibility. She said, “There’s such a massive loophole because it’s the supermarkets who hold the alcohol license so the delivery companies can fob responsibility off on someone else. It's difficult for the stores to take responsibility and delivery companies don’t have a responsibility.”
She noted that self-banning systems are ineffective and that online ordering makes addiction “invisible.” In a small community, neighbors might notice frequent shop visits, but online, it remains private.
A call for change
Teri has launched a petition urging a review of alcohol home deliveries and stronger safeguards, such as limits or flags on orders. She said, “I want there to be a buffer, a limit or a flag so that that person can have a think about what they’re doing.” She emphasized the broader impact: “It’s a cost to the NHS, social services and the police. Children are being affected.”
Carla passed away in December 2023, five months after her diagnosis. Teri said, “I was so angry about the alcohol deliveries. I ask myself why I didn’t stop it then. But I can try and stop it now for others.” She hopes no other family has to endure the same heartbreak.
