Whole lot of drinking going on

/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BR_web_311x311.jpeg
The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division wrapped up fiscal 2018 with record sales, according to a release.

Liquor sales increased 4.7 percent over the previous year, to $320 million, with $120 million returned to the state general fund.

Iowans showed a preference for wine, liquor and Iowa-made beer.

Compared with the previous fiscal year, total gallons of wine, liquor and Iowa-made beer sold increased 1.1 percent, 2.8 percent and 11.1 percent, respectively. Iowa-made wine saw a decrease in total gallons sold of 6.5 percent, and total gallons sold of beer not made in Iowa decreased 2.2 percent.

American vodkas, Canadian whiskies and spiced rum were the top three categories of liquor products sold during the fiscal year. 

During the fiscal year, almost 17,000 alcohol licenses, permits and certificates were issued, more than 21,000 people were trained and certified in the responsible selling and serving of alcohol, and over $157,000 was collected as a result of administrative actions.