Indications Younger Consumers Have Increased interest in Wine and Other Alcohol

Philadelphia epicenter of uptick in Interest

Indications out of Philidelphia suggest that youngsters are not entirely eschewing alcohol for NoLo (No or low) alcohol lifestyles.

In fact, there appears to be so much interest in alcohol among the younger set in Philidelphia that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board decided to shut down 48 retail wine and liquor stores in the City in order to better assess the increased demand:

All liquor stores in Philadelphia were closed Wednesday after several locations were looted shortly after the conclusion of peaceful protests against a judge’s decision to dismiss all charges against a former Philadelphia police officer in a fatal traffic stop shooting.

Police, who made dozens of arrests following Tuesday night’s looting, said they were prepared “to make more” if things got out of hand on Wednesday evening. “Please call 911 if you are aware of any ongoing criminal activity,” police said.

As city officials, including Mayor Jim Kenney, vowed to ensure public safety and protect businesses, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board closed 49 retail wine and liquor stores – 48 in Philadelphia – after 18 stores were looted overnight, Shawn Kelly, press secretary for the board, told CNN.

Retailers have a word for losses associated with shoplifting and looting: “Shrinkage,” a term I’d always associated with cold-water-related mishaps. According to a press release from the National Retail Federation, “Shrinkage” accounted for $112 billion in retail losses in 2022 amidst what the retail association called unprecedented levels of theft.

That was just last year.

But, to continue with the satire…

This is not the first time Philidelphia has experienced an unexpected uptick in demand for alcohol among younger consumers. In June 2020, seventeen state-run liquor stores had to be closed after demand led to almost the entire stock of these outlets being depleted. Unfortunately, it appears some of those demonstrating a demand for alcohol included minors. No word on whether these minors were able to obtain the alcohol without being carded by store personnel:

At least 17 state-run liquor stores in Philadelphia were hit hard, including one on Broad Street and Allegheny Avenue in North Philadelphia, where children were among the looters.

Elizabeth Brassell, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, said there was damage to the exterior and interior of the store. Products were all taken from the store, and there was also damage to some of their computers and point of sales systems.

Based on the unique type of demand for alcohol seen recently in Philidelphia, some believe this isn’t a matter of increased interest in alcohol among the young as they explore the diverse options available in today’s market. Rather, it is possible that younger drinkers are responding to a special set of discounts on products.