Ohio liquor sales continue to climb

The amount of hard liquor sold in the state was up again last year, extending a trend begun a decade ago. 10.7 million gallons of "spirituous liquor"-defined as having more than 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof- was reportedly sold by Ohio's 442 licensed liquor outlets in 2009. The total amount sold was nearly 2 percent more than 2008 and an increase of 26 percent since 1999. After declining throughout the 1980s and 1990s, hard liquor sales in Ohio have increased steadily since 1999, according to state records.

David Ozgo, an economist for the Distilled Spirits Council in Washington, D.C., said the trend toward more liquor sales has weakened along with the overall economy, noting that sales increased at a much faster rate before the recession, which officially began in December 2007. "While not recession-proof, the liquor industry is 'recession resilient,'"Ozgo said.

Ohio officials agree the recession is having an effect. While retail sales-those at liquor stores- are up, sales to restaurants and bars are down, said Matt Mullins, a spokesman for the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

The trend of drinkers seeking more bang for their booze buck also can be seen in the breakdown of sales and brands. Inexpensive Kamchatka vodka was the top seller, with 400,787 gallons purchased last year-an increase of more than 5 percent from the previous year. Among the top-selling 30 brands, vodka was by far the best seller, accounting for a third of the total gallons sold in 2009.

More liquor sold means more money for the financially strapped state, said Kimberly Zurz, who directs the state's Department of Commerce, which includes the liquor control division. Liquor sales and taxes generated $299 million for the state in fiscal year 2009.