Amazon's One-Hour Booze Delivery Comes To New York City

Finally, it's the moment we've all been waiting for: After being tested out for nearly four months in Seattle, Amazon is launching one-hour alcohol delivery in other cities, starting with Manhattan.Starting this week, Amazon Prime members can order alcohol and find it at their doorstep for just a $7.99 service fee. If you're willing to wait two hours, you'll get your booze delivered to your door with no surcharge.

The service is called Prime Now, and yes, you have to be a member ($99 per year) to experience it, but maybe that will change sometime in the future. Amazon told Re/Code that it is looking to expand to 20 other cities but has had to be careful due to liquor licensing laws. Amazon did not actually acquire a liquor license in New York, but instead, "delivery service providers, who have all applicable permits, are delivering on behalf of the licensed merchants."

Amazon does have competition, however. Delivery.com, Drizly, and other alcohol delivery apps are popping up everywhere; however, it's possible that Amazon's brand name recognition will give them clout over competitors.

Amazon also said that the New York City alcohol selection will include hundreds and hundreds of select liquors, and will also be partnering with Eataly.