Spirits are an affordable luxury in this challenging economic climate. So says 88 percent of respondents to a survey fielded by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., in collaboration with Clarus Research Group. Approximately 100 hospitality industry personnel, including bartenders and liquor store owners, were surveyed at the 2009 Nightclub & Bar Show held in Las Vegas in March.
While half of respondents indicated that consumers are hosting gatherings in their homes more often these days, many bartenders also noted that the at-home gatherings often occur before consumers head out to bars and restaurants later in the evening. When they go out, however, consumers are tipping less compared to one year ago, according to 62 percent of the bartenders surveyed.
When asked what they thought bartenders and wait staff will be saying one year from now, 59 percent said, “Happy times are here again,” while 39 percent said, “Better luck next year.”
“In spite of the economy, consumers are still enjoying their spirits both at home and out in bars and restaurants,” says Bobby “G” Gleason, master mixologist for Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “It’s clear from the survey results that my fellow bartenders echo my same optimism for the health and future of the spirits industry.”