Return to flip book view

The Advisor - Issue #46

Page 1

T H EADVISORADVISORI S S U E # 4 6 • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5CHAMPAGNEPROBLEMSINDUSTRY NEWS FROMINDUSTRY NEWS FROMLIQUOR LICENSE ADVISORLIQUOR LICENSE ADVISORFEATUREDLISTINGSTOBACCO BANUPDATEM A G A Z I N E Message

Page 2

In this month’s issue, we’re revisiting key topics with important updates, covering newindustry developments, and bringing you fresh insights on what’s happening in the market. As the Founder and CEO of Liquor License Advisor and Liquor Store Advisor, I bring over20 years of experience guiding top restaurant, hotel, retail, and liquor store brands across thecountry. My extensive network and deep industry knowledge allow me to navigate complexliquor licensing challenges and provide innovative, customized solutions.As we move into 2025, I anticipate significant industry changes and remain committed toguiding my clients through them successfully. Now is the time to act—whether you areconsidering buying, selling, or optimizing your liquor license, I am here to provide strategicguidance. My mission is to help every client achieve exceptional results, and I look forward tomaking this year a success. Let’s stay connected—follow me on LinkedIn for real-time marketupdates and insights.Sincerely,From the CEO’s Deskwww.LiquorLicenseAdvisor.comDan NewcombFounder & CEOTHE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 2H E L P I N G Y O U B U Y , S E L L & S U C C E E D I N T H E L I Q U O R I N D U S T R Y

Page 3

Circling Back: What’s New withMassachusetts' GenerationalTobacco Ban?byMichelle HansfordIn November, we covered the growing discussion around expanding tobaccoregulations in Massachusetts. Since then, new legislative developments haveemerged that could significantly impact liquor and convenience store owners.To keep you informed, here’s the latest update on Massachusetts’ proposedgenerational tobacco ban and what it means for your business.Proposed Legislation: HD 2372 & SD 1317On January 16, 2025, Massachusetts legislators introduced bills HD 2372 andSD 1317, bringing the state closer to a generational tobacco ban. If passed, thelaw would prohibit anyone born on or after January 1, 2006 from purchasingtobacco products, including e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems.A Growing Trend: Local Adoption of the BanThe concept, which originated in New Zealand, is gaining traction inMassachusetts. Newton recently became the latest town to adopt the ban,joining Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, Reading, Malden, Melrose,Concord, Chelsea, Belchertown, Needham, and Manchester-by-the-Sea.Supporters Push for a Tobacco-Free FutureProponents of the ban are striving to phase out tobacco use altogether largelydue to the number of people it kills and the high health insurance costs, toname a few. According to a January 23, 2025 Boston.com article, CouncilorLarge Alison Leary (Newton) stated that “Smoking kills more people thanalcohol, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders, suicides, [and] AIDS combined. The ban’s age policy would not discontinuethe ability for older generations of tobaccousers to continue purchasing tobaccoproducts but rather eliminate the access foryounger generations to start. “ASH”(Action on Smoking & Health) released anarticle on January 16, which stated that,“‘The introduction of this bill is a landmarkmoment in Massachusetts’ impressivehistory of being deeply committed to publichealth,’ said Laurent Huber, executivedirector of the advocacy group Action onSmoking and Health. ‘By creating agenerational firewall, we can ensure thatfuture generations grow up free from thedangers of nicotine-related illnesses.’” Opposition Concerns: Business & EconomicImpacts of the BanOpponents of the ban worry that smallbusinesses will suffer, and jobs will be lost.Halfwheel cites Cigar Rights of America ascoming out in opposition of the ban, asamongst other reasons, it “reduces state taxrevenue which further harms the localeconomy and undermines adults’ ability tomake informed decisions about their ownlives and freedoms.” Citizens for AdultChoice (funded by the New EnglandConvenience Store & Energy MarketersAssociation), another group opposing theban, has formally launched an “oppositioncampaign” and kicked off with a rally inBoston on January 22, according to aConvenience Store News article. You can join the movement and “Say No toNFG Policy” by visiting the Citizens forAdult Choice’s website.What’s Next?If passed, the statewide ban could reshapesmall businesses across Massachusetts,particularly affecting liquor stores andconvenience stores. The next step is for thebills to be reviewed and voted on by theState Legislature.THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 3

Page 4

Champagne Problems: Where It Stands and Where It's Goingby Kate Newcomb THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 4Looking Back to 2024: Champagne Sales Lost Their SparkleIn 2024, Champagne shipments declined by nearly 10% to 271 million bottles, according to the ComitéChampagne. This downturn was primarily attributed to global economic uncertainties, inflation, andgeopolitical conflicts, which reduced consumer enthusiasm for celebrations and spending on luxury beverages. Additionally, LVMH, a leading Champagne producer, reported a 15% drop in sales during the first half of 2024.Adverse weather conditions, including frost and excessive rainfall, affected grape harvests and production,adding further pressure to the industry. Many consumers felt there was little reason to celebrate, leading todecreased demand for luxury beverages.Looking Ahead to 2025: Champagne’s Path ForwardAs the industry enters 2025, Champagne producers remain cautiously optimistic, though consumer spendinghabits are unpredictable. With ongoing inflation and shifting financial priorities, demand for luxury beveragesmay continue to fluctuate.To adapt, industry leaders are repositioning Champagne as an affordable luxury, encouraging consumers toenjoy it beyond special occasions—from casual dinners to weekend brunches. Sustainability and organicproduction are also expected to gain traction as younger consumers prioritize eco-friendly and health-consciouschoices. Meanwhile, the rise of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives continues to challenge traditionalChampagne sales.Climate change poses long-term risks for the industry. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns,frost, drought, and excessive rainfall continue to disrupt grape yields in the Champagne region. In response,producers are investing in sustainable vineyard management, regenerative agriculture, and soil conservationpractices to protect their crops and ensure long-term viability.Despite these challenges, Champagne brands are reshaping their messaging to emphasize everyday indulgencerather than limiting consumption to major celebrations. Some producers are also experimenting with lighter,organic, and more accessible Champagne options to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.

Page 5

We have a network of highly qualified buyers actively seeking full liquor package stores andwine & malt convenience stores in key locations across the South Shore and Cape Cod,including:Barnstable CountyNorfolk CountyPlymouth CountyIf you own a full liquor package store or wine & malt convenience store in one of these areasand are considering selling, now is the time to explore your options. Demand for profitable,well-managed liquor stores remains strong, and buyers are actively searching for investmentopportunities.Whether you're looking to retire, relocate, or maximize your business’s value, we can guideyou through the selling process to ensure a smooth, confidential, and profitable transition.Let’s start a confidential conversation about your goals and how we can connect you withthe right buyer at the right time..SOUTH SHORE & CAPE COD STORE OWNERS:THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 5

Page 6

Liquor Store Advisor proudly presents Coolidge Liquors in Watertown, MA as an exceptionalcommercial property investment opportunity. The building has an established All AlcoholicBeverages license, and is situated in an active retail area, making it the ideal setup for a thrivingbusiness. Property Highlights:Total Space: 3,879 sq. ft. (including a full basement accessible to all tenants)Current Tenants: A laundromat and a hair salon, ensuring steady foot trafficOpportunity: The current liquor store space can be expanded into the neighboringlaundromat spacePrime Retail Location: Surrounded by single-family and multifamily homes, as well as localrestaurants and retail businessesHighly Walkable Area: Well-lit streets, sidewalks, and easily accessible street parkingConvenient Access: Close to major routes and local amenities, making it an ideal businesslocationFinancial Overview:Effective Gross Income: ~$142,000 for all three unitsIncome & Expense Details: Available for qualified buyers upon signing an NDAQUESTIONS ABOUT LISTINGS?Dan Newcomb617-500-4625 Dnewcomb@llausa.comFEATURED LISTINGCOOLIDGE LIQUORS LOCATED INWATERTOWN, MATHE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 6Commercial Property Investment Opportunity with Active Retail Tenants in Busy Downtown Neighborhood

Page 7

EXCLUSIVE LIQUORLICENSES AVAILABLEOff-Premise Retail Beverage LicenseSuited for a package store, supermarket, convenience store or gas station Framingham - All Alcoholic Beverages License ($425,000)Attleboro - Wine & Malt Beverages License ($125,000) Cambridge -Wine & Malt Beverages License ($125,000)Franklin - Wine & Malt Beverages License ($150,000) On-Premise Retail Beverage LicenseSuited for a restaurant, hotel, club, or tavernBoston - All Alcoholic Beverages License (Contact Us for Pricing)Boston - Wine & Malt Beverages License (Contact Us for Pricing)Boston - Wine, Malt & Cordial Beverages License (Contact Us for Pricing)Holyoke - All Alcoholic Beverages License ($125,000)Pittsfield - All Alcoholic Beverages License ($85,000)Woburn - All Alcoholic Beverages License ($85,000)Allegheny County, PA - Restaurant Liquor License THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 7QUESTIONS ABOUT LISTINGS?Dan Newcomb617-500-4625 Dnewcomb@llausa.com

Page 8

Circling Back: What’s New with Massachusetts' Generational Tobacco Ban? (Page 3)Massachusetts Legislators Propose Generational Tobacco Ban – Halfwheel – halfwheel.com/massachusetts-legislators-propose-generational-tobacco-ban/446474Newton Passes Generational Ban on Tobacco Products – Boston.com – boston.com/news/local-news/2025/01/23/newton-passes-generational-ban-on-tobacco-productsMassachusetts Group Kicks Off New Campaign Against Generational Tobacco Ban – CSNews –csnews.com/massachusetts-group-kicks-new-campaign-against-generational-tobacco-banThe Generational Tobacco Ban in the U.S. – Tobacco Insider – tobaccoinsider.com/generational-tobacco-ban-usaMassachusetts Nicotine-Free Generation Bill Introduced – ASH – ash.org/massachusetts-nicotine-free-generation-bill-introduced-a-sensible-step-toward-ending-the-tobacco-epidemicCitizens for Adult Choice – citizensforadultchoice.comChampagne Problems: Where It Stands and Where It's Going (Page 4)Champagne Sales Suffered a Sharp Decline in 2024 – Decanter – decanter.com/wine-news/champagne-sales-suffered-a-sharp-decline-in-2024-548911Champagne Shipments Down Nearly 10% in 2024 – Reuters – reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/champagne-shipments-hit-by-gloomy-consumer-mood-2024-producers-say-2025-01-19LVMH Reports 15% Decline in Champagne Sales – LVMH – lvmh.com/en/publications/good-results-for-lvmh-in-the-first-half-of-the-year-despite-the-prevailing-environmentChampagne Producers Respond to Changing Consumer Spending – Business Insider –businessinsider.com/champagne-exports-slumping-because-people-dont-want-to-celebrate-2025-1The Future of Champagne: Sustainability & Climate Impact – The Guardian –theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/19/champagne-makers-sales-losing-fizz-global-gloom-changing-habitsNew Grapes, Old Vines, Lower Alcohol – Wine Trends to Watch in 2025 – The Guardian –theguardian.com/food/2025/jan/25/new-grapes-old-vines-lower-alcohol-wine-trends-to-watch-in-2025EDITORIAL TEAM & RESEARCH SOURCESMagazine & Digital Editor: Kate NewcombFeatures Editor & Editorial Assistant: Michelle Hansford© Liquor License Advisor 2025. All Rights Reserved Unless Otherwise Noted.THE ADVISOR MAGAZINE  | 8

Page 9

THE ADVISORMAGAZINEL I Q U O R L IC EN SEA D V I S O RThe Advisor Magazine is a monthly publication designed to keep stakeholders inthe liquor store and liquor license industry informed on the latest market trends,regulatory updates, and industry insights. Our goal is to provide valuableinformation to help business owners, investors, and industry professionals stayahead in an ever-evolving market. Stay connected with Dan on LinkedIn for thelatest updates and market insights.Liquor License Advisor53 State StreetSuite 500Boston, MA 02109617-648-5558 LiquorLicenseAdvisor.com