Liquor sale costs down

Middletown (WTNH) - The cost of liquor may have fewer people saying bottoms up and that means sales are down.

As customers look out over the sea of bottles, there are lots of choices. Some are made easier as customers are trying stay on budget looking for a sale.

"Before it used to be 'give me something for $20-$30,' now they want -- it's down in the $10 price range," Susan Czaja, of CT Beverage Mart, said.

People are cutting back and that's trickling down to the state budget. The state is reporting tax revenues from liquor sales are way down; $1.2 million alone in November 2008 compared to November 2007.

Wilson: "Are you seeing the same amount of people coming in or is it down?"

Czaja: "It's a little bit down, not substantially. People are always going to drink."

At the Connecticut Beverage Mart, in Middletown, they notice fewer shoppers in their store and customers are spending less.

"I really can't afford to spend what I used to spend," John Huff, of Middletown, said. "I have cut back. Same with cigarettes, you have to ration a little bit. Pay checks aren't what they used to be."

While sales are down a little bit at liquor stores, people are cutting back as well. The manager says the big reason for the drop in revenue is people are changing to a cheaper brands. Sam Adams is $15 dollars for a 12 pack while Budweiser is $17 for a case. People have switched looking for value.

"They are definitely downgrading. The high-end things are sitting on the shelf a little more; not jumping off the shelves like they did last holiday," Czaja said. "People are being cautious, not buying that extra gift."

"I used to come in and buy what is good," Jimmy Buote, of Middletown, said. "And now you have to think about what you are going to do and cut back a little."