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SALT LAKE CITY — Over the past five years, Utah has seen an increase in alcohol sales. This past fiscal year was no exception.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverages reported revenue of $557.6 million from the fiscal year of July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.
The 7.7% increase is about double the increase from 2020 to 2021, of approximately 3.4%. Data from the department shows that the increase amounts to $40 million.
Monthly sales in 2022 exceeded 2021 sales for most of the year, with the exception of April and October. The highest sales were seen during the months of December, totaling $65 million.
Some Utah spirits such as Five Wives Vodka and Dented Brick Gin saw a decrease in sales. However, locally distilled cocktails and IPAs like Desolation Distilling, Moscow Mule and Red Rock Eliphino saw an increase in sales.
A little over half of the sales came from distilled spirits, like vodka or tequila. Wine made up 35% of sales and 28% of sales from heavy beers.
Vodka seems to be Utah's spirit of choice, making up over $70 million and 14% of sales.
Vodka sales revenue is much higher than its spirit counterparts of whiskey and bourbon, with a respective total of approximately $50 and $45 million.
Tito's Handmade Vodka had sales of over $12 million. Utah's very own Five Wives Vodka generated just over $1 million.
Of those sales, 89% came from a state liquor store, retail or package agency.
As far as consumption goes, 11% of the sales were purchased to be consumed on premises, such as a restaurant or bar with a liquor license. Salt Lake County had the top three highest-selling stores, earning over $77 million.
While the revenue is initially used to pay for operating costs, a large portion of the remainder is put back into the community.
In 2022, $229.89 million of alcohol sales was put toward statewide services. It went towards transportation, infrastructure, health, education, public safety and school lunches for kids.
In addition to those funds, $31 million was generated in sales tax for state and local government. Those funds go toward social services, infrastructure, general government and higher education.
"The sales fund crucial services that all Utahns use, helping to keep taxes low for hardworking Utah families," said Tiffany Clawson, Department of Alcoholic Beverages director.
