SALT LAKE CITY — Sales at Utah’s state-run liquor stores topped a half billion dollars in a year for the first time ever.
Numbers released by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control this week show the state took in $500,324,118 in fiscal 2020, which ended June 30. Sales were up even though the overall number of bottles sold for the year was down 3.5 million or about 7% from last year.
Moving heavy beer to grocery stores last November might account for the drop, officials said.
Sales figures were up despite state liquor stores operating on reduced hours and restaurants and bars buying less amid the coronavirus pandemic. Some stores briefly closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19.
State alcohol sales were more than $479 million last year.