Rhode Island finds people bought less beer and wine in 2019

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Officials say Rhode Island is on track to have its fourth consecutive annual decline in beer sales at liquor stores.

According to data from the state’s Division of Taxation, the amount of beer purchased at liquor stores dropped from 18.1 million gallons in the first 10 months of 2018 to 14.8 million gallons during the same period last year.

Liquor store sales of wine are also expected to decrease for the third consecutive year.

Approximately 2.98 million gallons have been sold through October 2019.

There were 3.01 million gallons sold through October 2018.