Liquor licensing authorities in NSW have turned a blind eye to sly grog salesmen who are using the internet and word of mouth to run unlicensed 24-hour booze delivery services.

The operators are exploiting known loopholes in NSW laws - which allow for alcohol to be delivered as "gifts" - and, despite being aware of this for some time, it is only today, following queries from this website, that authorities have decided to conduct a review.

The Beer Baron ... Jed Clarke.

Yesterday, Fairfax Media reported on a service called The Blind Pig which has used Facebook to spread the word about its alcohol store. Customers dial a mobile number and place their orders, which are delivered for no extra cost.

The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) said yesterday it was examining the unlicensed service and threatened penalties including an $11,000 fine and 12 months in prison. Under NSW liquor laws, takeaway liquor including home deliveries cannot be sold 24 hours a day.