The Future of Partying:

Will Cannabis-Infused Beverages Spark a New Kind of “Buzz”?

It’s widely known that the younger generations are drinking less alcohol, opting more for no and low-alcohol options than their elders. With health and wellness being at the forefront of this movement, liquor store shelves continue to adorn and multiply the products available for sober shoppers, including non-alcoholic beer and other canned beverages, no and low-alcohol wine, as well as a growing amount of no and low-alcohol options within the hard liquor category. There’s even a new bottle shop, Dray Drinks, in Boston’s South End that features only non-alcoholic beverages, demonstrating a real interest in the sober lifestyle. Retailers are following what’s trending and offering more non-alcoholic products in their stores than ever before.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 34.

 

Holiday Gifting: Top Gift Trends For 2023

December is here, which means that shoppers are out in full force seeking the perfect holiday gift for everyone on their list. Alcohol remains a popular go-to gift, but what will consumers purchase this year? BevAlcInsights by Drizly has taken the guesswork out for retailers by issuing their 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, which provides insight on what categories and brands retailers should enhance in their inventory based on 2023 sales and 2022 gifting trends – critical data for businesses to make the busiest time of year a success.

Spirits reached new heights during the 2022 holiday season, with bourbon, Scotch whisky, and reposado tequila topping the charts for gifting purchases; wine (Champagne and red varietals) was a close second. It seems that despite the current economic climate, the holidays still remain a time when consumers splurge more than they might otherwise, with premium products being high in demand.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 34.

 

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!

Inflation Impact On Holiday Alcohol Spending

Almost everyone you talk to these days brings up the alarming rise in the cost of just about everything, from gas to food to interest rates. Although people are making an effort to consciously monitor their budgets, the holiday season is upon us once again, and with that season inevitably comes an increase in spending, despite the current economic climate. Will consumers celebrate the holidays more frugally this year, or will they toss budgets aside? Consumer spending will affect both on and off-premise establishments as we wrap up 2023, a year that has found most Americans financially strapped, with no end in sight.

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

 

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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