The Advisor - Issue #23 : simplebooklet.com

What's to come for 2023?Reading the headlines these days, it may seem counterintuitive to lookforward to a new year and all that it brings.If the past few years have taught us anything, liquor stores are some of themost secure, resilient and recession-proof businesses in any industry. For restaurants on the liquor license side, the demand for Boston liquorlicenses (both all alcoholic and wine and malt) are back to pre-pandemiclevels. Valuations are also matching, depending on who the buyer is. Wehave many qualified buyers waiting for an intro, let us know.Here's to a prosperous new year full of health and happiness!Sincerely, Page 3: Tax Credit For Small BusinessesPage 4: 2023: The Year of... INNOVATION.Page 7: New Nip Ban Jan. 1, 2023Page 8: Trends For Success In 2023 For Liquor Stores, Restaurants & GrocersPage 10: Is 9 Alcohol Licenses Enough?CEO's NoteLooking forward to a new year during this time of excitement,possibility and hope for what's to come.Looking ForFeatured LiquorStore Listings?www.LiquorLicenseAdvisor.comTHE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 2Founder, CEOLiquor License Advisor®D A N N E W C O M BLiquor License Advisor® hasbeen a trusted resource in theliquor store and licenseindustry since 2002.CLICK HERE

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Tax Credit For Small BusinessesEmployee retention tax credits(ERTCs) are a type of financialincentive offered by thegovernment to encouragebusinesses to keep theiremployees on the payrollduring difficult economictimes, such as during arecession, pandemic orfollowing a natural disaster. The new year brings reflection of where we'reheaded, where we’ve been and all we’ve done to getthrough an incredibly unusual time for businessowners throughout the past few years of thepandemic. Some businesses were more fortunatethan others. All small business owners are lookingfor ways to maximize their efforts. Whether you are a restaurant or pub owner, a liquorstore owner, a lawyer, a convenience store owneror something else altogether – if you own a smallbusiness, the US Government has created anEmployee Retention Tax Credit Program as aresponse to support small businesses through thepandemic.We’ve partnered with one of the leading CPA firmsin the country that specialize in ERTCs and whohave filed over 10,000 applications. They havedeveloped the ERTC Fast Progam™. Each applicantmust meet the guidelines; however, even if you’vereceived PPP benefits for your company you maystill qualify.As we move forward in 2023, we wanted to makeyou aware that coming through the other side of allof this, there are resources that could be availableto you and your business. As always, we’re here foryou.Click For InformationClick For Information

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2023 The Year of INNOVATION by Michelle Hansford Classically known as the time for resolutions the new year beginning each January typically brings forth pledges to make changes for the better to set goals and to make the upcoming year better than the one just past Here at Liquor License Advisor we urge you to take a close look at your business whether it be a lottery liquor store boutique wine shop restaurant or any variation of these and to get creative to make 2023 the best year for your business yet We d like to share a few ideas with you to get innovative creative and successful this year despite the ongoing challenges presented by inflation and the troubled supply chain If you are a liquor store owner Think about your customer base Who are your frequent shoppers Ensure that you have inventory in stock for your loyal customers Do your research if younger customers purchase a lot of RTD cocktails and you are situated near a college campus or downtown city area ensure that you have a variety of RTD options front and center Or if you operate a store near a retirement community that brings in a lot of customers looking to try various wine varietals ensure that you have an assortment of wine available offer tastings and suggest pairings The supply chain issue is real so make sure that you are ordering what your customers are actually drinking THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 4 Be social It s not only Gen Z ers who are getting social the world has moved online so if your store isn t make the resolution to get online this year Ensure that your store offers online ordering clickable delivery options and a comprehensive website It s an Instagram culture right now so be sure that your store is aesthetically pleasing so your customers want to insta their experience with a trendy photo capture Or perhaps your employees can hop on the insta bandwagon by posting photos of tastings new products and impressive displays Ask your customers what they want Now more than ever where how and by whom products are made is important especially to the younger consumers so a quick survey of your customers will ensure that you are ordering and offering products that will sell and attract customers Be creative in how you present these offerings perhaps you feature an all organic wine section or perhaps you offer a tasting of locally brewed craft beers Just be sure to stay current with who is buying what now www LiquorLicenseAdvisor com Continued on next page

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Think about what types of alcohol you sell (ordon’t sell)! Perhaps you currently have an all-alcoholic beverages license but most of youralcohol sales consist of wine and beer. If thisis the case, consider whether you would sellyour AA license and purchase a wine & maltbeverages license instead, making a profitwhile better targeting your customers.Be “social”! Similar to liquor stores, yourcustomers want to post their latest meal onInstagram and accompanying glass of wine,pretty cocktail, or unique beer. Be sure to havea photo-worthy, “sharable” restaurant andproducts that your customers will be proud topost, share, and like. A strong website that iseasy to navigate so customers know yourregular menu options, current specials, winelist, cocktail menu, and beer offerings. Do youoffer delivery? Offer online ordering. Make iteasy, convenience is key.Start to sell alcohol if you currently don’t! It’sno secret that restaurants make a lot of profitfrom the alcohol they sell. If you don’tcurrently have a liquor license and would liketo expand your menu options (and profitmargin) this year, give us a call and we canwork to locate a license for you.If you are a restaurant owner…Let Liquor License Advisor help you get innovative,creative, and successful in 2023. We’re here foryou.2023: The Year of... INNOVATION Continuedby Michelle Hansford

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Guaranteed To Maximize Refundable Credits For Local And Small To Medium Sized Businesses So Easy That Your Entire Commitment Is 15 Minutes No Upfront Fees To Get Qualified - 100% Contingent On Your Refund Audit-Proof Documentation For IRS Support No Other CPA Firm Offers The 15 Minute Refund™ Yes, Qualify Me!Companies outside of the liquor license industry are also eligible to apply. Any links contained in this ad are affiliate referral links. Free, No Obligation Pre-Qualification.By answering a few, simple,non-invasive questions ourteam of ERTC experts candetermine if you likely qualifyfor a no-strings-attached taxcredit. There is no cost orobligation to be pre-qualified.Find Out If Your Company Qualifies To Get Up To $26k Per W2 Employee In A Few Simple StepsWhy Choose ERTC Fast Program™? We only specialize in maximizing Employee Retention Tax Credits for small business owners. You won’t find us preparing income taxes, compiling financial statements, or providing attestation services of any kind.When you engage us, rest assured that you’ve hired the best CPA Firm to lock in this one-time opportunity for a large refund check from the IRS. Even If You Received The PPP LoanIf you received either or bothPPP Loans you may still qualifyfrom the ERTC Rebate as well.Many of our clients havealready! No Restrictions - No Repayment.While the ERTC was created inthe CARES act along with thePPP Loans – this is not a loan,there is no repayment. Thereare no restrictions for howrecipients of the credit mustuse the funds.

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Nantucket is the newestcommunity to ban the sale ofminiatures (alcohol containersless than or equal to 100 ml).They join a growing number oftowns including Brookline,Chelsea, Falmouth, Mashpee,Newton and Wareham. The convenient on-the-go optionhas now been eliminated by thetown and that ban will go intoeffect on January 1, 2023 forNantucket. Like each issue, there arealways two sides to everyconcern.Clean-up volunteers andorganizations say nips are themost popular litter item they arepicking up. There's alsoenvironmental concerns fromothers like charter boat captainBob DeCosta who reported hefinds hundreds of nips andminiatures surrounding his boatevery summer.New Nip Ban January 1by Kate NewcombIsland Liquor Stores Brace For New RulesOn the other side, some say thenips allow for people to drinkresponsibly and limitconsumption based on thesmaller amount beingpurchased. With this option offthe table, customers will beforced to choose betweenpurchasing a larger quantity ofalcohol or not buying any at all. Any stores to violate theNantucket bylaw will be subjectto a non-criminal dispositionfine of $50 for the first offense,and up to $300 for subsequentoffenses.www.LiquorLicenseAdvisor.comTHE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 7

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The 2022 Retail Report put forth by BevAlc Insights(by Drizly) offers critical information for liquorstore owners, restaurant owners and grocery storeowners alike as they determine their 2023inventory. As inflation struggles continue andsupply chain issues linger, owners & operatorsneed to be more conscious than ever on how theystock their shelves, what they offer on their menus,and how they are responding to their customers’needs.Let’s take a closer look at Drizly’s reported five keyfindings and how liquor store owners, restaurantowners, and grocers can make 2023 a success –despite ongoing challenges.1) “Supply chain seen as the biggest headwind,and while inflation concerns loom, a large majorityof retailers see consumers still willing to pay fordelivery.”As supply chain issues continue, retailers andrestauranteurs must focus on the products they dohave on hand. And as inflation also continues toplague both retailers and consumers, it appearsthat consumers are still willing to pay for deliveryservices; therefore, ensuring that your store orrestaurant offers this service is critical to yourfinancial bottom line.THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 8Trends For Success In 2023 For Liquor Stores, Restaurants, & Grocers by Michelle HansfordWith consumers’ financial concerns in mind, “38% [ofsurvey respondents] said they put more deals, salesand loyalty programs in place this year compared tolast”; be sure to offer customers these services andbe sympathetic to the economic climate as we moveinto 2023. Also, keep in mind that consumers arecurrently choosing less expensive products, be sureto have the inventory to match current spendinghabits.2) “Bubbly (albeit less pricey), bourbon and tequilaexpected to top holiday gift lists; alcohol giftpurchases online poised to increase.”Keeping in mind that consumers are currentlychoosing less expensive products, be sure to stockyour shelves with and showcase on your holidaydrink menus what consumers want, namelychampagne, bourbon, and tequila. But as most willconsider less expensive options than usual, so besure to carry a variety of price-point options this yearand into the next.3) “2023 Crystal Ball: Tequila will keep rolling, redwine and craft beer are poised for comebacks.”Tequila maintains its popularity, which means thatyour store should showcase this spirit, and yourmenus will benefit from offering tequila-basedcocktails. Continued on next page.

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How 2022 Trends Can Assist Liquor Store Restaurant and Grocery Store Owners Make 2023 A Success Continued by Michelle Hansford Ensure visible placement in your liquor or grocery store of not only tequila but also red wine and popular craft beers and restauranteurs should consider offering drink specials on both items to track the growth and profitability for their business 4 New breed portable drinks are here to stay and there s plenty of shelf space for both RTD cocktails and hard seltzers Liquor store restaurant and grocery store owners should be aware of the continued popularity of RTD cocktails a pandemic inspired trend that hasn t gone anywhere According to the report 63 of respondents expect to carry more RTD inventory next year and although hard seltzers popularity is reportedly slowing down it still deserves shelf space and half of retailers surveyed plan to carry more of it next year Inventory lists should also make room for nonalcoholic options especially beer and especially after the New Year when many people resolve to drink less or abstain completely Providing customers with what they want begins with asking them that very question which will lead to more informed inventory choices and higher sales Those retailers who have asked customers what they want have found that locally made products celebrity owned alcohol brands and healthconscious drinks including organic and nonalcoholic options are atop of consumers minds As we move into a financially and economically uncertain 2023 be certain about your inventory choices and ensure that your showcased products and menu offerings reflect what customers want Consumers are still consuming it just may look different this year so be sure to pay attention and keep your business in good financial health this new year 5 Retail decision making customers speak loudest celebrity owned is mattering more THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 9 www LiquorLicenseAdvisor com

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The Massachusetts PackageStore Association recentlycame out with an articleregarding the impact on thederegulation of liquor licenseissuance through legislativeaction. The article’s areas offocus came through theinitiation of several bills basedon the regulation of wine andmalt beverages by grocers,caps on licensing, and furtherrestrictions/regulations on thelicensing of alcohol sales. The primary findings of theirarticle were the following: Large, primarily out-of-statecorporations with vestedinterests in nationalcorporations (e.g., TotalWines, Target, BJ’s, Costco)benefitted from softenedrestrictions in theimmediate post-Covidenvironment to increasemarket control withinMassachusetts by claimingpast legislation violatedantitrust laws; Is 9 Alcohol Licenses Enough? by Kate NewcombThe Aftermath of Ballot Question #3Massachusetts has seen arecent influx in the transferof existing licenses fromsecond and thirdgeneration/family-ownedestablishments, many tolarger, out-of-statecorporations with a focuson off-premise sales; These large corporateinterests should be aconcern to officials andconsumers, as they are toolarge for local and statelegislators to regulate them.www.LiquorLicenseAdvisor.comContinued on next page.THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 10

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In addition to the article, Executive Director, Rob Mellion, wrote a message to MassPack membersincluding an important statement that essentially sums up the most important takeaways: “Knownwith certainty is that the retail tier has been going it alone in fighting off these many battles. Why?Because other groups within the alcohol beverages industry have their own interests. The one interesteveryone seems to have is the desire to acquire space within the retail tier. That space is alreadyovercrowded. Therefore, MassPack will fight going into 2023 tooth and nail to stop harmful legislationfrom getting passed. Another objective will be to extinguish the Drinks to Go extension provisions.MassPack will also stay on the offensive by applying public safety elements of Question 3 asseparate bills.” Although 2022 ended with a “no” vote on question 3, 2023 won’t be without continued pushback bythose supporting main street retail, who will fight for these retailers’ survival and for overall publicsafety measures to be taken. It appears that the battle isn’t quite over yet. THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 11 www.LiquorLicenseAdvisor.com

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THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 12OUR FEATURED LISTINGSLiquor License Advisor is proud to offer, for yourconsideration, an opportunity to develop an upscale,premium adult beverages store in Bristol County.This liquor store has been approved for a retail allalcoholic beverages license, and as the new owner,you will have the opportunity to design the approvedstore concept and build out a sleek, modern adultbeverage store within the space. Now is your chanceto take advantage of this opportunity and to beoperating by the summer – the ideal timing to beopen on the waterfront and in close proximity to over400 boat slips.Located on a busy major commuting road, the easyaccess creates a convenient stop for customers.This location is surrounded by popular businessesthat advance exposure, including marine, restaurants,and numerous other daily retail.This optimal NEW first-floor retail space isaccentuated with many large windows, offeringnatural light and an appealing visual of the beverageofferings. Don’t miss this opportunity to own anupscale liquor store with below-market rent in afavorable location!Featured Listing: Full Alcohol - Package Store Bristol CountyAsking Price: $375,000 by Ben JerromCall For InformationCall For InformationQUESTIONS ABOUT LISTINGS?Call/Text Ben Jerrom Partner & Buyer SpecialistCell: 617.936.7102Contact Ben Jerrom directly for further details on all of our current listings.

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THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 13QUESTIONS ABOUT LISTINGS?Call/Text Ben Jerrom Partner & Buyer SpecialistCell: 617.936.7102OUR FEATURED LISTINGS by Ben JerromContact Ben Jerrom directly for further details on all of our current listings.Wine & Malt Package Store$125,000 Middlesex CountySuffolk CountyMiddlesex County$300,000 Full Alcohol Package Store$325,000 (Real Estate Available)Full Alcohol Package Store Middlesex County$350,000 Asking Price: Location:Listing Type:Full Alcohol Package Store Middlesex County$749,000 Full Alcohol Package StoreFull Alcohol Package StoreNorfolk County$750,000Full Alcohol Package StorePlymouth County$525,000 Package Store License (WM) Sommerville, MA$159,000 Here is a summary of some of our otheravailable retail liquor stores and liquor storelicenses. This is not an inclusive list so if thereis something specific you are looking for,contact Ben Jerrom for more information.

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YOUR TRUSTED INDUSTRY PARTNERDid you know that for over 2 decades, our Founder, Dan Newcomb, hasbeen in the liquor license industry as the "go-to" for other industryprofessionals and leaders? Every phone call that comes into our office is about a liquor license. Wedon't work in any other industry besides liquor stores and licenses.We provide owners with a "firewall" to protect them from all of the pitfallswe know are out there throughout a transaction because we know how toprepare the deal and navigate the waters. We're here for you.Meet Our TeamDan NewcombCEO & FounderBen JerromBuyer SpecialistJennifer MedicoTransaction SpecialistGlenn LawlerSeller SpecialistMichelle HansfordSeller ConciergeSherri BeauchampMarketing SpecialistQuestions?Call 617.648.5558 orvisit: LiquorLicenseAdvisor.comKate NewcombProject Specialist

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References:© Liquor License Advisor 2023, All Rights Reserved Unless Otherwise NotedSpecial Contributions & Acknowledgements:- Features Editor & Editorial Assistant: Michelle Hansford & Kate Newcomb;- Magazine & Digital Editor: Sherri Beauchamp.THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 15Tax Credit For Small Businesses (Page 3)1 – ERTC Fast Program™ website at https://www.ertcfastprogram.com/lpsb. Trends For Success In 2023 For Liquor Stores, Restaurants & Grocers (Page 8)1 – BevAlc Insights by Drizly 2022 Retail Report. New Nips Ban Jan. 1 (Page 7)1 – Island Liquor Stores Brace For Nip Ban On Jan. 1 by Jason Graziadei, Dec 23, 2022 in Nantucket Current. (https://www.nantucketcurrent.com/island-liquor-stores-brace-for-nip-ban-on-jan-1) 1 – Message From The Executive Director, Rob Mellion of Massachusetts Package Stores Association letter to Membership, November News & Trends (November 23, 2022). Is 9 Alcohol Licenses Enough? (Page 10)

The Advisor - Issue #23

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