COLUMBUS – An economy on the upswing is driving us to drink.
Well, not exactly.
The state says Ohioans may buy $1 billion worth of liquor for the first time ever in 2015, especially with the holiday rush coming up.
“Sales in November and December are traditionally greater than any other months and typically account for approximately 20 percent of total annual sales,” said Department of Commerce Director Jacqueline Williams.
Williams, whose agency oversees the Division of Liquor Control and its 466 contract retail liquor agencies, says a more robust economy has Ohioans reaching for the top-shelf brands so, even if we aren’t consuming more, we are spending more on what we are drinking.
Along with more than 2,800 brands for sale throughout the year, 57 holiday gift packs, totaling almost 23,000 cases of different types and brands of liquor, are available for the holiday season, Williams said.
Gift include liquor as well as accessories like glasses, snifters, shakers, flasks and decanters at prices ranging from $10 to $90, Williams said.