Bruce D. Stevenson, Superintendent of Ohio Division of Liquor Control (Division), announced that spirituous liquor dollar sales reached a record level of $825 million in Fiscal Year 2012. This was an increase of $54 million (7%) over the previous year. The Division also realized an increase of $14 million (5.9%) in net profit, for a total of $251.4 million.
A positive indicator for Ohio’s economy is strong wholesale sales, showing that Ohioans are again patronizing restaurants and entertainment businesses. After decreasing three of the past four years, wholesale purchases by retail permit holders such as restaurants, bars and clubs experienced a significant increase of 5.6%. Total wholesale sales reached $252 million, exceeding last year by $13.4 million.
“Our success is due in part to Ohioans buying more high-quality and premium priced items as tastes get more sophisticated,” said Stevenson. We work hard to continually improve our operations to provide the best service and products for our customers.”
Another positive for Ohio is that dollar sales grew at a higher rate than consumption. A total of 11.7 million gallons were sold in FY 2012, an increase of only about 4% over the previous year. While our dollar sales were at an all-time high, consumption is still less than during the 1980’s.
The Division provides for the safe and responsible sale alcoholic beverages in Ohio through its 460 contract liquor agencies. A comprehensive server training program is conducted by the Division for the owners and employees of those agencies. The goal is to effectively train the employees to understand and comply with Ohio’s liquor laws, especially in prevention of sales to underage and intoxicated persons.
(Spirituous liquor is intoxicating liquor containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume.)
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