The Google Business Profile update aims to provide age-restricted products
Google has updated its business profile rules for service area businesses that sell age-restricted products.
Now, businesses that sell alcohol, cannabis, weapons, and similar items must have a physical storefront to maintain their Google Business Profile.
We were made aware of this update by Stefan Somborac on X:
Google actually uses the phrase “companies affiliated with…” rather than “companies that sell…”, which greatly expands the application of this new change.
2/3 pic.twitter.com/FD31fUmm94
— Stefan Somborac (@StefanSomborac) November 27, 2024
Changes to Service Area Business Policies
Google has updated its policies to prevent companies that sell age-restricted products from operating as a catchment only business.
The updated guidelines state:
“Businesses that are related to products or services for which the customer must be of a certain minimum age, such as alcohol, cannabis or weapons, are not permitted as businesses in the catchment area without a physical store.”
This is a notable change in the way Google handles business listings for delivery and mobile services.
The directive describes two main types of companies:
- Companies in the catchment area: These companies deliver to customers but do not have a physical store location.
- Hybrid companies: These establishments have a physical location and offer delivery or mobile services.
Service Area Restrictions
Google maintains its existing limits on service areas, including:
- Maximum of 20 service areas per company
- Service limits are limited to approximately 2 hours travel time from the business base
- Service areas must be defined by city, zip code, or a specific geographic region, not by radius
Impact on companies
This update affects specific types of companies:
- Mobile alcohol delivery services
- Cannabis delivery services
- Arms dealer without a store
- Providers of age-restricted products that only deliver
The new rules require these companies to have a physical storefront in which to store their Google business profiles.
The aim of this change is to ensure proper age controls and compliance with sensitive product and service regulations.
What that means
The policy update addresses concerns about the sale of age-restricted products through delivery-only businesses.
This change primarily affects new cannabis and alcohol delivery services that have grown in some cities.
Featured Image: Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock
