The Advisor - Issue #26 : simplebooklet.com

The warming weather is changing behavior once again...The sunshine brings smiling faces, warmer spaces and people out andabout.This Spring has certainly been active in the legal world with the extension ofcocktails-to-go and the potential to ban nips in the City of Boston.No matter which side you are on, there's a newfound energy and excitementcoming to the places people gather with the anticipation of warmer daysahead and we're here for it!Tax season is approaching, be sure to consider all of your options withsome employee retention programs still available.Sincerely, Page 4: Is The City ofBoston The Next Place ToBan Nips?Page 6: Drinks To GoUpdate: Extended To March31, 2024Page 9: Drink Trends that areBlooming in 2023Page 10: Tax CreditsAvailableCEO's NoteA new season brings new energy to the marketplace.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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Consumer Alcohol Buying Behavior Where and how people are enjoying their booze this Spring by Dan Newcomb RETAIL PREFERENCES The Spring 2023 edition of the StateWays magazine features some very compelling charted data about consumers purchasing trends when it comes to alcohol The chart below breaks down alcohol retailers and what types of products consumers typically buy at each As you can see for example beer is much more frequently bought at convenience stores than online whereas the opposite is true for wine Understanding your customer base as an owner of a liquor store grocery store wholesale club convenience store pharmacy distillery winery brewery or an online based shopping platform such as Drizly or Minibar is imperative to ensuring that you are stocking your shelves appropriately and smartly Referring to the next charts atop of the right hand column the first chart reveals how much consumers typically spend on alcoholic beverages revealing that most spend somewhere in the range of 15 44 with less than 10 spending under 15 and almost 30 spending 45 and above Keeping these price points in mind is very helpful to off premise owners when purchasing inventory The second chart represents the distance consumers are willing to travel to purchase alcoholic beverages showing that most people will stay close to home not travelling more than 10 miles to purchase alcohol products Knowing who lives around your store as they are your most likely customers is a key factor in effectively planning your inventory This final chart tracks the purchasing trends on premise vs off premise As the chart clearly indicates consumers have continued the trend of purchasing most of their alcoholic beverages off premise than on What does this mean for restaurant and bar owners Do they have to up their game to compete with the various off premise options that customers are frequenting more often And how do off premise operators ensure that the trend continues in their favor

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Is The City of Boston The Next Place To Ban Nips by Michelle Hansford Nip ban debate heats up as Boston may be the next place in Massachusetts to prohibit nips As more and more Massachusetts towns and cities ban nips also known as miniature liquor bottles containing 100 milliliters or less it seems that Boston may be one of the next ones to join in According to recent Boston com and CommonWealth magazine articles Councilor Ricardo Arroyo wants Boston to be the next city to consider this ban presenting a significant challenge to liquor store owners The Boston com article titled Should Boston ban nips City councilor calls for hearing on potentially outlawing mini bottles of alcohol reports that on March 20 Arroyo filed a hearing order to bring together the Boston Public Health Commission and Licensing Board to discuss how a ban could positively impact public health claiming that other towns and cities which have already instated this ban have experienced positive effects The article cites Chelsea as an example providing statistics from a CommonWealth magazine report that a year after Chelsea became the first Massachusetts city to pass the ban that there was a significant drop of alcohol emergency related calls to first responders THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 4 In a similar CommonWealth magazine article titled Arroyo wants to ban sale of nips in Boston nips are referred to as a product that seems tailor made to feed alcohol addiction and that in urban neighborhoods they are often the bottle of choice for homeless people and those drinking on street corners and in public parks Executive director and general counsel for MassPack Robert Mellion counters Arroyo s claim that the improvement experienced in Chelsea can solely be deduced to the ban of nips and that the decline was likely due to a training course the association administrated for package store owners in partnership with the City of Chelsea In addition Mellion recently commented to Boston com that the ban is likely more of a political issue than it is a practical solution and points out that it is just as easy to hide the next size up liquor bottle than it is a nip and that banning them in Boston will just drive that same cliental and business to neighboring towns and cities which will be a hardship for some liquor store owners who rely on nip sales www LiquorLicenseAdvisor com Continued on next page

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Is The City of Boston The Next Place To Ban Nips Continued by Michelle Hansford Arroyo claims that not only will banning nips have a positive impact on Boston s public health but also on the litter issue in Boston as nip bottles are not biodegradable or recyclable due to their container size Mellion said that he thinks there s a lot better ways to do this reduce litter than to hurt small businesses that are just struggling MassPack has partnered with community clean up efforts as well as attempted to back a law that would provide a 5 cent recycling deposit on nips which is the practical solution according to Mellion I haven t heard any good reason not to do this Arroyo says in the CommonWealth article other than profit margins for liquor stores that rely on nip sales Mellion said that the liquor store owners association will oppose any effort to ban nips in Boston If you are seeing both sides of the argument here you aren t alone A March 30 Boston com article reports that of the 125 survey participants who responded to a recent survey asking how they feel about the possible ban it was almost 50 50 with 52 saying they don t think Boston should enforce the ban while 48 say they should The article contains a sampling of respondents reasons behind their answers and here is feedback from each side NO If we are concerned about litter we should look at banning all plastic and coffee cups It s not fair to pick on one industry Other litter is just as plentiful Sam Cambridge YES These things are designed to be discarded No place at all for them in the city If you own a liquor store and actually think a ban on nips is going to harm your business cry me a river Jack Allston We will keep you updated as this debate continues to heat up THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 5 www LiquorLicenseAdvisor com

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Drinks To Go Update Extended To March 31 2024 by Michelle Hansford It s official drinks to go which was initially intended to be a temporary measure during the pandemic has been extended for another year EATER Boston reports that Governor Maura Healey signed legislation into effect that will allow Massachusetts businesses to sell cocktails to go until March 30 2024 With this news comes an even greater division between the liquor store industry and the restaurant industry as one side was relieved to see its original extended deadline approach while the other has been working to make it a permanent staple in Massachusetts s restaurant scene Let s review the arguments both sides are posing so you can decide for yourself what you think about this latest extension DRINKS TO GO SHOULD GO A March 14 CommonWealth article titled Don t make Drinks to Go permanent claims that if the drinks to go allowance continues Mass will see much bigger social economic costs specifically surrounding the underage population here in our state The article argues that Massachusetts doesn t need additional ways for our state s youth to access alcohol citing that nearly a third of people ages 12 20 have consumed alcohol and 20 percent have participated in binge drinking This is important to address because within the last THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 6 decade underage drinking cost the residents of Massachusetts 1 3 billion in medical costs work loss and costs associated with pain and suffering If these stats don t convince you the article goes on to explain that the Massachusetts Alcohol Policy Coalition conducted a small study and found that 15 of people who were delivered alcohol under this policy were underage Proponents of drinks to go may point out that this study was admittedly small and that if this policy was to be permanent perhaps certain measures could be instated to ensure the legal drinking age of recipients Likewise a February 28 CommonWealth article titled Drinks to Go should go presents a similar argument concerning underage drinking aligning drinks to go with drinks for kids Our state has historically followed certain measures to monitor and prevent underage alcohol sales and allowing drinks to go undermines these regulations according to the article The details surrounding how to police these efforts which are unknown to most people presents the big problem as it is difficult to monitor third party delivery systems and home deliveries are falling under the radar because an alcohol transportation permit is not a requirement with the emergency provisions The Section 22 Alcohol Transportation Permit is required for liquor stores to deliver their products but this permit is not required for restaurants brewers or distillers Continued on next page

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Drinks To Go Update Extended To March 31 2024 Continued by Michelle Hansford Proponents of drinks to go could propose that a permit be extended to include these types of businesses as well although the article did not delve into exactly what a change like that might entail DRINKS TO GO SHOULD STAY The flip side of this argument is presented in a February 22nd The Eagle Tribune article titled Our View Make outdoor dining cocktails to go permanent as advocates of keeping drinks to go and outdoor dining argue that this option has played a major role in the recovery of Massachusetts restaurants but that the restaurant industry isn t even close to being back to normal The article cites that nearly 5 000 restaurants closed permanently during Covid and now restaurants are continuing to face the challenges presented by the pandemic on top of staff shortages issues with the supply chain inflation the end of pandemic aid and recession concerns Advocates of drinks to go could argue that thriving restaurants are good for our state s economy and with many consumers cutting back take out and drinks to go from a restaurant may be a less expensive option than dining out but still providing revenue for struggling restaurants The EATER Boston article contains the following statement from a representative for Massachusetts Restaurants United an advocacy THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 7 group for local independent restaurants As an organization we are thrilled that we have one more year to strengthen this program and educate consumers on how they can safely enjoy supporting their local bartender and Also we re thankful that the legislation saw the need to continue to support restaurants as we rebuild from the devastation of Covid 19 Proponents of discontinuing drinks to go may counter that the price of underage drinking far exceeds that of struggling restaurants They may also argue that the restaurant industry may never find itself completely without struggle and that offering drinks to go cannot be a sustainable solution for a myriad of seen and unforeseen challenges Regardless of where you stand on this issue it s a debate that doesn t seem to be quieting down any time soon even three years post pandemic A March 8 Boston Globe article titled Drinks to go debate is back at the State House and as contentious as ever comments on this current battle between restaurant owners and liquor store owners offering both sides of the argument The article reports that the House of Representatives passed a supplemental budget bill that would among other things continue a number of measures taken to help the state weather the pandemic Among them cocktails to go On the restaurant side restaurant association president Steve Clark said that customers seem to appreciate drinks to go and that it can be helpful revenue wise although it s not bringing in huge sums of money to restaurants Continued on next page

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Drinks To Go Update: Extended To March 31, 2024 (Continued)by Michelle HansfordTHE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 8www.LiquorLicenseAdvisor.comOn the liquor store side, MassPack executivedirector Rob Mellion “worries that cocktails-to-gois part of a broader push to deregulate alcoholsales on the part of multistate retailers and liquorindustry lobbyists”, on top of compounding theunderage drinking problem. Heidi Heilman, president of the MassachusettsAddiction Prevention Alliance, also views drinksto-go as a way to “break down the industry’s strictregulations”. Representative Tackey Chan (theHouse’s point person on alcohol regulation) wasundecided as of the March 8 article, saying that hedid not have enough data yet to determine if drinksto-go should go, which is why he supports themsticking around for another year to determine thebest course of action.We will keep you updated on what happens next asthe drinks to-go controversy continues during thislatest extension.

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DRINK TRENDS THAT ARE BLOOMING IN 2023 DRIZLY S TOP PREDICTIONS FOR SPRING BEVERAGE SALES BY MICHELLE HANSFORD As we head for warmer spring days people typically switch indoor activities for outdoor change out warm clothing and protective footwear to lighter more breathable options People also change out what beverages they consume as the dark cold days of winter are behind us and longer brighter warmer days welcome us Here are the latest predictions from BevAlc Insights by Drizly on what consumers will be drinking this spring so you can shock your shelves and menus accordingly WHITE WINE Wine drinkers usually trade in the heavier reds for lighter white varietals as the weather warms up and in 2023 to date white wine composes 29 share of the wine category up from last year READY TO DRINK COCKTAILS This category has recently enjoyed popularity which will continue as we head into outdoor festivities where a canned beverage is a laid back approach to the laid back vibe of spring and summer RTD sales increased nearly 24 in 2022 and consumer demand has not waned VODKA TEQUILA Both of these hard liquors will gain popularity over whiskey in the upcoming months as vodka tequila are frequently used to concoct warmer weather cocktails In 2023 to date vodka s share increased from 23 to 24 while tequila s share increased from 17 to 18 LIGHT LAGERS As hard seltzer popularity diminishes with canned cocktail options skyrocketing light lager will see growth in the beer category as it was up from 18 in 2022 to 20 in 2023 Light lager has also surpassed hard seltzer as Drizly s top selling beer subcategory in 2023 THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 9

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Looking For Business Tax Credits?Employee 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 want to make youaware that there are resources that could beavailable to you and your business. As always, we’rehere for you.Click For InformationClick For Information

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OUR FEATURED LICENSES by Ben Jerrom Here is a summary of some of our available offpremise retail liquor store licenses this is for the sale of the license only This is not an inclusive list so if there is something specific you are looking for contact Ben Jerrom for more information Listing Type Location Asking Price Wine Malt Retail License Only Attleboro MA 125 000 Wine Malt Retail License Only Cambridge MA 125 000 Wine Malt Retail License Only Lowell MA 75 000 Full Alcohol Retail License Only Lunenburg MA 325 000 Wine Malt Retail License Only Newton MA 135 000 Wine Malt Retail License Only Somerville MA 225 000 Contact Ben Jerrom directly for further details on all of our current listings QUESTIONS ABOUT LISTINGS Call Text Ben Jerrom Partner Buyer Specialist Cell 617 936 7102 THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 11

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OUR FEATURED LISTINGS by Ben Jerrom High Volume Full Alcohol Package Store Suffolk County MA 825 000 Call For Details Listing Type Liquor License is proud to offer for your consideration the sale of a high volume package store that holds a full liquor license and is situated on the corner of a main intersection in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston In addition to holding a full liquor license the store also offers lottery and tobacco products as well as some convenience items a revenue source which could be expanded An ATM machine and bitcoin machine amplify the store s convenience This downtown retail location offers the new owner ample square footage of both retail space and basement storage as well as on street parking for customers and a central location for foot traffic business This store offers a great opportunity for a new owner to take an already successful store to the next level Don t miss this opportunity Location Asking Price Full Alcohol Package Store Essex County 200 000 Full Alcohol Package Store Middlesex County 250 000 Full Alcohol Package Store Middlesex County 300 000 Full Alcohol Package Store Middlesex County 749 000 Full Alcohol Package Store with Real estate Suffolk County 2 100 000 Contact Ben Jerrom directly for further details on all of our current listings QUESTIONS ABOUT LISTINGS Call Text Ben Jerrom Partner Buyer Specialist Cell 617 936 7102 THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE 12

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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  | 14Tax Credit For Small Businesses (Page 11)1 – ERTC Fast Program™ website at https://www.ertcfastprogram.com/lpsb. Will The City of Boston Be The Next Palce To Ban Nips? (Page 4)1 – Should Boston ban nips? City councilor calls for hearing on potentially outlawing mini bottles of alcohol by Christopher Gavin of Boston.com on March 20, 2023 (https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2023/03/20/boston-ban-nips-city-council-hearing/).2 - Arroyo wants to ban sale of ‘nips’ in Boston by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine on March 20, 2023 (https://commonwealthmagazine.org/government/arroyo-wants-to-ban-sale-of-nips-in-boston/)3 - Should nips be banned in Boston? Here’s why readers are split by Zipporah Osei, Boston.com on March 30, 2023 (https://www.boston.com/community/readers-say/should-nips-be-banned-in-boston-heres-why-readers-are-split/)1 – Cocktails To-Go Allowed for Another Year in Massachusetts by Erika Adams, Eater Boston on March 30, 2023 (https://boston.eater.com/2023/3/30/23663073/massachusetts-takeout-cocktails-legislation-extension) 2 - ‘Drinks to go’ debate is back at the State House, and as contentious as ever by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe on March 8, 2023 (https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/03/08/business/drinks-go-debate-is-back-state-house-contentious-ever/)3 - Don’t make Drinks to Go permanent by Heidi Heilman, CommonWealth Magazine on March 14, 2023 (https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/dont-make-drinks-to-go-permanent/)4 - Drinks to Go should go by Robert Mellion, Commonwealth Magazine on February 28, 2023 (https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/drinks- to-go-should-go/)5 - Our View: Make outdoor dining, cocktails-to-go permanent by The Eagle Tribune on February 22, 2023 (https://www.eagletribune.com/opinion/editorials/our-view-make-outdoor-dining-cocktails-to-go-permanent/article_e5a30170-b227-11ed-abf2- 8753822460d6.html) Drinks To Go Update: Extended To March 31, 2024 (Page 6)Drink Trends That Are Blooming in 2023 (Page 9)1 – Drizly’s Top Predictions for Spring 2023 Beverage Sales by BevAlc Insights Team on BevAlc Insights by Drizly (https://bevalcinsights.com/drizlys-top-predictions-for-spring-2023-beverage-sales/). Consumer Alcohol Purchasing Habits For Spring (Page 3)1 – Where Consumers Enjoy/Buy Alcohol by Melissa Dowling, State Ways Magazine Spring 2023 (https://stateways.com/digital-archives/stateways-spring-2023/)

The Advisor - Issue #26

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