American Citizens Use Excessive Drinking to Cope with the Coronavirus Pandemic, Sales of Spirits Rose 75%
Americans are using a considerable amount of liquid courage to combat the coronavirus epidemic. Nielsen data shows that alcohol beverage sales increased by 55% in the week ending March 21st.
Tequila, gin, and pre-mixed cocktails led the way, with sales up 75% year-over-year.
The Cable News Network reported on April 1st that wine sales increased by 66% and beer sales increased by 42%. Online sales far exceeded brick-and-mortar sales.
Nielsen stated that online alcohol beverage sales increased by 243%. Nielsen Vice President Daniel Kosmal suspects that the growth peaked during that week as people stocked up their pantries before ‘stay-at-home’ orders took effect.
Several states in the US have placed millions of residents under lockdown, prompting panic buying of items like wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, and hand sanitizer. Alcohol is also a hot item, as restaurants and bars were forced to close, offering takeout and delivery.
In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed liquor stores to remain open, despite ordering the closure of non-essential stores to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Cuomo’s order didn’t specifically mention liquor stores, but the New York Wine & Spirits Association quickly clarified that ‘liquor stores were considered an essential business and would continue to operate without layoffs.’
