PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is on track to have its fourth consecutive annual decline in beer sales at liquor stores, according to the state’s Division of Taxation.
The amount of beer purchased at liquor stores dropped from 18.1 million gallons in the first 10 months of 2018 to 14.8 million gallons during the same period last year, according to data reported by liquor stores.
Liquor store sales of wine are also expected to decrease for the third consecutive year. Approximately 2.98 million gallons have been sold through October 2019. There were 3.01 million gallons sold through October 2018.
Nick Garrison, founder of Foolproof Brewery in Pawtucket, told the Providence Journal that the decline in liquor store sales may be due to the proliferation of local breweries.
“The wholesale distribution of beer is in decline while the more popular model is the taproom focused, retail-driven brewing model where beer is brewed and served on premises,” Garrison said.
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