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Ohioans buy record amounts of liquor

COMMENT: Why do you think Ohioans loaded up on liquor?

CHART: Ohio spirituous liquor sales

By Mark Fisher

Staff Writer

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

COLUMBUS — Ohioans spent a record amount on liquor in fiscal year 2008, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control announced Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Spirits sales at Ohio's 440 contract liquor agencies rose $25 million, or 3.7 percent, to a record high of $697.7 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, state officials said.

And it wasn't just because the booze was more expensive: Total gallons of spirituous liquor sold in 2008 was 10.3 million gallons, an increase of more than 143,000 gallons, or 1.4 percent, over fiscal 2007.

The state defines liquor as intoxicating drinks with alcohol levels of over 21 percent, or 42 proof.

The state controls liquor prices and collects taxes and fees. The liquor control division generated $298 million in fiscal 2008, including $167 million for the state's General Revenue Fund, state officials said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2258 or mfisher@coxohio.com.

Comment: Why do you think Ohioans loaded up on liquor?

Comments

By ホストクラブ

September 23, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

検討に値する。

By 国際結婚

September 21, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

よく練られた。

By 国際結婚

September 21, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

だと思わない?

By higasz

August 23, 2008 5:31 AM | Link to this

dkbckisxxcdbbltjgaqfonlpuwaplg

By Michael

August 22, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

@brenda, Hamilton will never cease to amaze me at how many stupid inbreeds that live there. Only about 30% of all people in the US smoke. I am guessing that you have never been to that Truth site. The smoking ban has NOTHING to do with it. I have gone to two bars in the past year and they were packed. I really believe that you should stop crying about the damned ban and learn to care about others more than yourself. I quit smoking over 5 years ago, and I don’t want to breath your toxic exhaust.

By higasz

August 22, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

dkbckisxxcdbbltjgaqfonlpuwaplg

By michele

August 22, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

I agree with alot of the posters saying that sales have increased due to people being down about the economy, gas prices, houses won’t sell, etc. I know that there are alot of kids turning 21 this year, the year they were born in 1987 was a population explosion it seems so they are really purchasing lots of alcohol because they are “legal” now! just my 2cents worth!!

By brenda

August 22, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Michael. Get a clue. The smoking ban keeps us from smoking in a bar. duh. So we (smokers) stay home with our friends and smoke, play cards, listen to music, watch movies, etc. Things we used to be able to do in bars before the ban. That is what the smoking ban has to do with it. We purchase liquor and keep it at home so that we can relax and smoke with friends without discrimination.

By Lovin It!!!

August 22, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

I think response below says it all….. Come on now people you have to be laughing with me on the response…… ( Lovin it Phil!!!!!)

By Phil Man

August 21, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I drink to get rid of my hangovers.

By Denny

August 21, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

I think, the reason that people are drinking more is because, they do not want to deal with reality and issues that occur in the times that we now live in. It is much easier for them to escape reality by living in a bottle. The trick, however is that drinking develops into a cycle that goes on and on. A person’s life or liver will burn out, before their problems do. Christ is the drinkers, only hope without the burnout. Just think about it. It’s true ?

By KAF

August 21, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Funny stuff there Sarah. Does the American Cancer Society intend to take over the world using this nefarious “playbook”? We can all be glad that the tobacco companies are such responsible corporate entities that they would never stoop to lies and deceit like the American Cancer Society!

By Sarah

August 21, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Yes the smoking ban is the reason - there is RETAIL vs. WHOLESALE liquor sales (look it up at OH Commerce Dept. web site) Guess which one went up (alot) and guess which one did not? If the ban had been on the ballot during a Presidential Election Year IT NEVER WOULD HAVE PASSED - fewer people turn out in a non-presidential year and the Cancer Society knows that - read their play book (and yes they have one for these things). You have been played for fools.

By Rachelle

August 21, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Well, I am a formal Dayton resident. I left Dayton in 2005. Why? the economy - no jobs, empty buildings with “this space for lease” signs posted on windows. I would drink myself if I were still living in Dayton.

By Michael

August 21, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

If you buy it in a bar or take it home, you are still buying it. What does the smoking ban have to do with this? I am shocked that no one has wrote this. If you are sitting at home drinking - which is cheaper - or drinking at a bar, you are still drinking.

By Haha

August 21, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Wait til Obama gets in; alcohol purchases will skyrocket.

(That’s If you can afford it after being taxed to death)

By Daniel

August 21, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

People drink for different reasons but I have a better solution Go To God He Knows Our every Need, Pain our every thought the Beginning From The End. He made us and he knows all about us and what is best for us. Read the Holy Bible and let God help you through these rough and rocky times that we are going through. Seek first God’s kingdom, Go to a good Bible Teaching, Preaching Church and Pray and Read your Bible daily for strength to go through it all, he will help you and without a hangover.

By Joshua

August 21, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I think that people are drinking more because they are unsure about the future and what it holds and because we have seen very shocking things happen that are unbelievable for our lifetime. Gas went from .90 cents to $4.00 in just a few years and the utility companies practically doubled the utility bill during the same time period. They keep raising minimum wage and that just causes the price of everything to go up it doesn’t help anything. Inflation is out of control.

By Irishman

August 21, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

“Now, there’s some take delight in the carriages a-rollin’, And others take delight in the hurley an’ the bowlin’, But I take delight in the juice of the barley, An’ courtin’ pretty fair maids in the mornin’ bright an’ early.”

From “There’s Whisky in the Jar” (traditional Irish pub song)

By Mike

August 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

It’s Ohio…….don’t need any more reasons. Not exactly the vacation destination of choice.

By Cindy

August 21, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I think that people should not smoke or drink when they get emotional. Both are very expensive and they cause more problems and don’t solve anything. My old next door neighbor died from a liver going out because of alcohol. He stated that he wished he never saw a beer in his life. I saw a sign that said the average smoker spends $60,000 in their life on cigarettes. Wow! You could buy a house with that. Save your heart, lungs and liver don’t drink or smoke! You will be happier! Go to church!

By Get Help

August 21, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

So if it is the smoking ban, then all of the smokers left the bar and bought there own liquor. Which means that the bars wouldn’t be buying as much. Unless the bars are now full of the non-smokers who no longer have to buy there own and drink at home. So it actually evens everything out - so the smoking ban is a bad excuse.
The real reason is because there are more alcoholics that need help.

By VietVet

August 21, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Ken-so you’re a former Ohioan living in AZ.In 2004,the family made a radical change and moved to Tucson after 50 years in Ohio.Found out that the wages were poverty level thanks to the abundance of cheap Mexican labor.Found out that there were two classes of people- transplanted retired rich and the working poor making $10/hour with no benefits.No wages paying in the $15-$25/hour range.Just wanted you to know that all is not rosy and wonderful in Arizona.There’s reasons to drink in AZ also.

By JB

August 21, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Joe - LOL @ the Buckeyes losses!

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the cause of this - it’s a SPIRITUAL problem - (pun intended).

Peoples lives are so empty and void of meaning today they are self-medicating on drugs, alcohol, or anything else they can get their hands on.

The first 2 steps in a 12 step program basically come down to this;

  1. There is a God
  2. I’m not him

Until people own up to that - alcohol & drug abuse will continue to spiral.

By Ken

August 21, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

I am formally from Ohio and now living in Phoenix. Today MSN says that Dayton is third in the nation (behind Youngstown and Canton) as one of the worst in the US in the economic downword spiral! And with the horroble sports teams; the Buckeyes the only exception here, i don’t blame you poor saps for drinking. If i were still living there in Dayton, i would be a drunk to!

By Bill

August 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Better booze.

By Julie

August 21, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Well Mirya, I am a smoker. I used to go out with friends to drinking establishments. Once the smoking ban went into effect, I stopped going to those establishments and started purchasing my own spirits. Do you think I’m the only smoker who is now doing this?

By Mirya G.

August 21, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

I agree. I do not see the logic in associated a smoking ban with hieghtened liquor consumption. Do you have any documents or could elaborate on this thought of yours as I would like to know how you came about forming this opinion. Just curious :)

By Joe (again)

August 21, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

(continued from previous post) i mean, i even live in tennessee now, been here 5 years (came down to go to college at Lee University in Cleveland, graduated, and now have a job in Cleveland, TN), and even though i’m in the heart of SEC country, i still love my home state, and everything about it. but come on, people. seriously.

By Joe

August 21, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

it’s probably b/c the buckeyes have made it to the national championship twice in the past two years, both times against SEC teams, and lost both of them. in the southwest, the bengals suck still, and in the northeast, the browns had a heartbreaking end of the season. back to the southwest. the reds keep sucking too. how do we get rid of this anguish? liquor. lots of it. i hope you can appreciate the satire in this, i’m sure there are some people that actually feel this way though.

By Michael

August 21, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

The Smoking bans have NOTING to do with the increased consumption of alcohol. People tend to drink more when they are emotional, most people have been more emotional lately, due to the cost of living more than doubling in the past few years and all of the stresses. I am sure that they have a great deal more reason, but I blame the high costs of living and all of the adulterous people around now. Look around, how many people do you know that have been cheated on in the past few years? I bet almos

By Ex Bar Fly

August 21, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

It’s the smoking ban!!!

By KingLizrdLivesAgain

August 21, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

if the smoking ban is truly the cause of these problems then do something to repeal it and please everyone stop blaming the economy,for when you think about it there is no better time to invest your money than when the market is down.if inflation is getting to you then i ask you what did you do yesterday(years ago) to help alleviate the problems you are having today or even tomorrow.start taking responsibility for your own future and stop relying on others to make the changes that you want made

By KAF

August 21, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Marc Dann and his partying AG office must have had something to do with this increase in liquor sales, don’t you think?

By Jude

August 21, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Most of the time people drink at home because they can’t smoke in bars, clubs, etc. Also, it is safer for everybody. Remember the slogan: Don’t drink & Drive!! Don’t talk on cell phones while driving should be added. I’m glad they aren’t out on the road. Safer for all of us.

By Anonymous

August 21, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

The answer in a nutshell is, liquor sales have increased because of the smoking law, which I voted against. I for one am a smoker and if I can’t go to bar and drink I’d rather purchase my liquor from a store to drink and smoke at home. The Spring and Summer seasons have helped with many bars opening up patios but I will bet you any amount of money that liquor store sales will jump even higher once Autumn and Winter approach.

By Big G.

August 21, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

The state of our city AND economy is enough to make anyone want to drink! But we all know that’s not the answer. And to all the women out there, ugly or not, speak up and be counted for!!! Don’t let the blatherings of a few misguided? men scare you off. your offerings are welcome here.

By Hugh Jass

August 21, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

They load up b/c we don’t have a train system.

By reesy

August 21, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I for one, know I contributed to the increase. I will have maybe 3 drinks a year, out at a bar with friends. This past year, when we get together we do it at home because of the smokers in the group. SOOO, instead of buying 3 drinks in a years time, I had to purchase a BOTTLE of my favorite alcohol. I still only had a couple drinks and the bottle is over half full…but it was purchased.

By Jones

August 21, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Was everyone wasted when they commented here?! Learn how to talk Ohioans! You are making us look bad…

By scturner

August 21, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

This situation is probably going on all over our country. Many Americans are stressed out and worried and rightfully so. Drinking to excess isn’t going to change their situation ask any alcoholic or their family and friends. AA and Al-Anon are effective groups to get help and support to anyone who needs it.

By by Dee

August 21, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I lived in Ohio for a long time and I know everyone is worried about our country and job problems and housing, still yet that is know excuse to drink, also the no smoking band hasn’t any thing to do with it.When I lived there about everyone drink and was over weight.There always have been peoblems in our land and people have to learn to deal with and give it time to work out and Ohio has always had rank high for overweight and drinkers.

By VietVet

August 21, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

They drink to forget their problems like the credit card bills,the house and car payments,the problems created by the local and fed.level politicians,the dismal school performance record in Middletown,the thought of losing their job,having to watch the way the Midd.City Council makes decisions,worrying about the new proposed coke plant,worrying when their house will sell,worrying about when Billy Murphy will bring some decent jobs into town, worrying when Becker will wake up in a council meeting

By Phil Man

August 21, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I drink to get rid of my hangovers.

By Lois

August 21, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

people does not need to drink to relive their problems. It only makes their problems worse. use your brains (if you have any left)to figure out your next move for improving your self

By KAF

August 21, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

I suspect that much of the increase in hard liquor consumption is from smokers recently diagnosed with some smoking-related disease. They been told they have fatal lung cancer and won’t live very long. Or their emphysema has them strapped to an oxygen tank, gasping for breath. Or perhaps that massive heart attack has left them bedridden. What smoker wouldn’t drink more with so many horrible ways their nicotine addiction can kill them?

By brenda

August 21, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

By the way, I don’t see any Brad Pitt look-a-likes running around either.

By brenda

August 21, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Alcoholism and addictive substance (drug) use is on the rise. Life is difficult but, alcoholism will only make it worse. I do agree that more people are staying home due to the smoking ban and everyone is disgusted with our choices for presidential candidates. I think it should be done like american idol. give us 50 candidates at the start and we can week them out over the course of say a year. Let the people decide.

By tony

August 21, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

and please people if the only info you have on the candidiates is commercials and mass propaganda do our great country a favor make it great again…educate yourself on the candidates and vote responsibly….. commercials lie! if you don’t believe me ask the marboro man how cigs are good for your health ;)

BUY AMERICAN/EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN/BRING PRIDE BACK TO AMERICA!

By tony

August 21, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

well, we’ve got a manufacturing middleclass that is now unemployed with no hope of re-employing in the same field, record gas prices from a president bought and owned by the oil companies and we’re left with leadership choices; mcain aka mini me bush that will continue to cater to bush’s pet projects or obama… a little inexpereinced in leading, or budgeting us out of mass debt..then again rock stars seem to buy global approval with a smile…now reading this wouldn’t you drink heavily too!

By M

August 21, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

The Republicans will find a way to blame the Democratic Congress, as well as the Democrats will find a way to blame George Bush. To me, it sounds as though too many people have extra time to drink since most of Ohio’s jobs are being exported at record paces.

By Me Too

August 21, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

I can say I contributed to this increase!! I would say people are completely stressed out around here with jobs and the economy.

By Jenafur

August 21, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Due to the current status of the automotive industry and all of our Ohio workers looking to lose their jobs, I think people are drinking more at home to save cash and some may be drinking too much due to depression.

By Ladytopaz

August 21, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

I agree with Julie…plus look at how depressing our economy is in Ohio. And it’s cheaper to stay at home than to go out for a night.

By Ann

August 21, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Probably buying more liquor because of the smoking ban and the increase in prices for groceries and gas. It is cheaper to stay home and have some drinks.

By Julie

August 21, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

They bought more liquor to drink at home due to the smoking ban at drinking establishments.

By willyd

August 21, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Citizens must be concerned and worried about traffic light cameras and roving trailers & what else the governnment can do to take away more rights.

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