By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
While more towns are approving liquor by the drink, more area residents are opting for liquor by the bottle.
The reason may be a combination of the souring economy and the the record-breaking temperatures.
Or it could be the stocks of summer specials ó flavored vodkas or pre-mix cocktails.
When the thermometer starts flirting with 100 degrees, tequila ó the main ingredient in margaritas ó becomes a really big seller.
“Apparently, people aren’t going out to bars and restaurants. Business is down,” said Terry Osborne, general manager of the Rowan-Kannapolis ABC system.
Instead they’re picking up a bottle and going home to enjoy a drink in air-conditioned comfort.
Statewide, ABC officials have projected that most of the growth in liquor sales will be to restaurants and bars.
While sales to restaurants and bars is holding steady, the expected growth isn’t happening.
During the past year, both China Grove and Landis voters approved mixed drinks, but no one has gotten a permit or opened a business
Osborne discussed the situation recently with the local ABC board.
“Bottle sales are up, LBD (liquor by the drink) sales are down,” he said.
ABC officials are counting on increased sales of liquor by the drink to help offset the costs of opening two new stores in Kannapolis ó at the Gateway Center and Renaissance Center, both off N.C. 73.
Sales continue to grow at both stores.
Despite gasoline at $4 a gallon, the $200-a-bottle products continue to sell well at the two stores.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette @salisburypost.com.