Area liquor sales unaffected by Michigan’s economy

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Michigan residents have cut back on unneeded expenses in the midst of an economic recession — with one exception.

According to a report by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, the top 16 establishments in Michigan that sell single-serving alcoholic beverages each bought more than $100,000 worth of liquor from the state in 2010 alone.

“Even though the economy is pretty bad right now, my money flow hasn’t gotten so low that I haven’t been able to go out on weekends,” said Garrett Taylor, Port Huron alumna of Mid Michigan Community College, while purchasing alcohol at The Store, 2128 S. Mission St. “Besides, drinks only cost a few bucks.”

Owners of liquor stores in Mount Pleasant said they have not suffered any drastic losses and it is partly due to students in the city.

“The students will always buy, whether they have the money to blow or not. Somehow, they come up with money and come back week after week,” said Kevin, a cashier at Empty Keg Party Store, 122 E. Pickard St., who asked to not have his last name published.

According to the Michigan Liquor Council’s website, sales of less-expensive liquor have been increasing as customers attempt to save money because of the economy.

“What we found is that people are definitely still buying liquor, they just weren’t buying anymore top-shelf liquor,” said Andrea Miller, spokeswoman for the Michigan Liquor Council. “The cheaper, bottom-shelf, second-shelf liquors were selling more.”

Taylor said he purchases less expensive alcohol.

“I’ve never even considered buying anything top-shelf. I’m honestly happy with my Burnett’s and Smirnoff,” Taylor said. “It’s cheap, yeah, but it gets the job done.”

Kevin said he has noticed a slight dip in sales, but overall purchases have remained similar to past years.

“The biggest thing I’ve noticed in sales has been people buying more cheap bottles,” Kevin said. “The thing is though, customers buy multiple bottles of second or third-shelf liquor and their bill ends up being what it would be had they bought top-shelf.”

Taylor said he thinks students will continue to drink despite the financial condition of the area.

“The economy is suffering, but I think liquor stores will always be a constant,” Taylor said. “People like their alcohol and are willing to be a little short on cash to buy their favorite bottle.”