The Advisor Magazine: Issue #47

With spring approaching, new opportunities are emerging in the liquor industry, and we’re here to set you up for success.

What’s inside Issue #47 of The Advisor: 

Massachusetts liquor news and what retailers need to know before April 8, 2025

Liquor License Advisor vs. Liquor Store Advisor

How we help sellers and buyers find the right opportunities at the right time

Exclusive boutique liquor store listing in Boston’s Back Bay

Liquor licenses available in key markets

Click Here to Read The Advisor – Issue #47

Champagne Problems: Where It Stands and Where It’s Going

Looking Back to 2024: Champagne Sales Lost Their Sparkle

In 2024, Champagne shipments declined by nearly 10% to 271 million bottles, according to the Comité Champagne. This downturn was primarily attributed to global economic uncertainties, inflation, and geopolitical conflicts, which reduced consumer enthusiasm for celebrations and spending on luxury beverages.

Additionally, LVMH, a leading Champagne producer, reported a 15% drop in sales during the first half of 2024. Adverse weather conditions, including frost and excessive rainfall, affected grape harvests and production, adding further pressure to the industry. Many consumers felt there was little reason to celebrate, leading to decreased demand for luxury beverages.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Champagne’s Path Forward

As the industry enters 2025, Champagne producers remain cautiously optimistic, though consumer spending habits are unpredictable. With ongoing inflation and shifting financial priorities, demand for luxury beverages may continue to fluctuate.

To adapt, industry leaders are repositioning Champagne as an affordable luxury, encouraging consumers to enjoy it beyond special occasions—from casual dinners to weekend brunches. Sustainability and organic production are also expected to gain traction as younger consumers prioritize eco-friendly and health-conscious choices. Meanwhile, the rise of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives continues to challenge traditional Champagne sales.

Climate change poses long-term risks for the industry. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, frost, drought, and excessive rainfall continue to disrupt grape yields in the Champagne region. In response, producers are investing in sustainable vineyard management, regenerative agriculture, and soil conservation practices to protect their crops and ensure long-term viability.

Despite these challenges, Champagne brands are reshaping their messaging to emphasize everyday indulgence rather than limiting consumption to major celebrations. Some producers are also experimenting with lighter, organic, and more accessible Champagne options to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.

Click here to read February’s newsletter: The Advisor – Issue #46

The Advisor Magazine: Issue #46

With 2025 in full swing, major shifts are happening across the industry, and we’re here to keep you ahead of the curve. 

In Issue #46 of The Advisor, we cover: 

Why Champagne sales declined in 2024 and what it means for 2025

The latest updates on Massachusetts’ proposed generational tobacco ban

A growing demand for liquor stores in South Shore and Cape Cod

Exclusive listings and investment opportunities

Click Here To Read The Advisor – Issue #46

The Advisor Magazine: Issue #34

December 2023 Update – Gifting, Selling, Cannabis & More!
It’s a time to celebrate with the ones you love.
  • the future of partying – getting buzzed on cannabis drinks;
  • if selling during the holidays is a good idea;
  • what popular alcohol gifts to stock up on for the holidays;
  • and more!

Pressure On For Boston Pocket Licenses?

The Joint Committee On Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure held its hearing on Oct. 2, 2023 for proposed Bill H.3741 and Bill S.2380 which are seeking an additional 250 licenses across 10 specific zip codes in the next 5 years, should it become law.

One of the issues that arose during the hearing around the 1:00:45 to 1:05:50 mark addressed the term “pocket” licenses, which are inactive liquor licenses being held by owners and/or landlords which go against the city’s guidelines for license use.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 33.

 

The Advisor Magazine: Issue #33

November 2023 Update – Holiday Spending Habits, Inflation & More!
As we move into the holidays, consumer habits are changing, again.
In Issue #33 of The Advisor, we discuss:
  • how consumer’s alcohol purchases may change with inflation;
  • a surprise subject that came up at the Boston Hearing – restaurant pocket licenses;
  • how orange is the new white when it comes to serving wine this holiday season;
  • and more!
Click Here To Read The Advisor – Issue #33.

Have You Heard of Sober October?

How This Trend Is Impacting Alcohol Sales

We’ve all become increasingly familiar with Dry January, but have you heard of “Sober October”? According to a recent USA Today article, this movement is becoming increasingly popular as consumers make more health-conscious purchases, trading in their alcoholic beverages for non-alcoholic or low-alcohol substitutes. Some people are trying out this lifestyle shift for a month to consider the benefits of not drinking, while others are trading out a few beverages here and there; however, others are making the shift to eliminate all alcohol entirely.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 32.

 

Does Boston Need More Licenses?

Boston’s Home Rule Petition Hearing: October 2, 2023

Hearing to Consider 250 New Liquor Licenses in the City of Boston: A Brief Summary and What the Change Could Mean for Local Business Owners.

On October 2, 2023, a legislative hearing to consider additional Boston liquor licenses took place at the State House. Mayor Michelle Wu, City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Councilor Brian Worrell, and Councilor Ricardo Arroyo were the forefront of the proposal to advocate in support of the home rule petition, which would allow the city to issue 250 new liquor licenses in ten specific zip codes over the next five years – if it becomes law. To become law, the bill still needs to pass the full Legislature and be signed by the Governor.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 32.

 

The Advisor Magazine: Issue #32

October 2023 Update – More Liquor Licenses Coming For Boston?
The last quarter of 2023 starts with some uncertainty in the liquor license market.
In Issue #32 of The Advisor, we discuss:
  • a recap of the October 2nd hearing for Boston’s Home Rule Petition;
  • how a new trend, Sober October, will impact sales;
  • what consumer trends are shaping up for this Fall;
  • and more!
Click Here To Read The Advisor – Issue #32.

Proposed Bill To Nix US Requirement To Obtain Liquor License

Will U.S. Residency Be Required?

Our Team here at Liquor License Advisor often receives the question of whether someone must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a liquor license in Massachusetts. Legally, they do: The way the law currently stands, the manager of record for a business must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a liquor license, which means that a non-citizen cannot be listed as the manager of record if he or she requires a liquor license for his or her business. Here in Massachusetts, the license owner must actually be a state resident as well to go on record as a manager or owner of a liquor license.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 31.

 

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