Spirited Growth: A Guide to Accessing the Thriving Alcohol Market for SMBs

Did you know that in April 2023, more than 3000 small businesses in the United States obtained an alcohol license?  acccording to Tarci data; This represents a remarkable 66% increase compared to the previous year.

It's important to note that this trend extends beyond just restaurants and bars, as small and medium-sized businesses from various industries are incorporating alcohol into their offerings to enhance both revenue and customer satisfaction.

Now, you may be wondering how you can take advantage of this flourishing alcohol market for SMBs. In this article, i will explore the reasons behind SMBs acquiring alcohol licenses, the advantages they derive from doing so, and how you can harness this trend to amplify your own sales.

Continue reading to uncover more information!

Cheers to Small Businesses: The Surging Trend of Alcohol Licensing

The expansion of alcohol licensing among small businesses extends beyond the conventional realm of restaurants. In a wide array of industries, SMBs are embracing this emerging trend and seizing the opportunity. Let's delve deeper into the crucial aspects of this evolving landscape:

Beyond the Usual Suspects:

• Boutique Shops: 

Artisanal boutiques, fashion retailers, and specialty stores integrate alcohol offerings to elevate the shopping experience and create a distinctive atmosphere. 

• Entertainment Venues:

Music halls, theaters, and performance spaces are diversifying their services by introducing bars or lounge areas to attract a wider audience. 

• Personal Services: 

Salons, spas, and wellness centers utilize alcohol licenses to offer clients a rejuvenating and luxurious experience. 

Embracing Experimental Commerce: 

• Wine and Paint Studios: 

Art studios are becoming a social space, offering a creative outlet accompanied by a glass of wine. 

• Innovative Cooking Classes: 

 Culinary schools and cooking classes are integrating wine and excitement into their programs, creating an immersive and enjoyable learning experience.

• Interactive Pop-up Events: 

Temporary shops, themed experiences, and pop-up events leverage alcohol licenses to establish an exclusive and exciting space. 

Optimizing Revenue: Discovering Business Potential

The choice to obtain an alcohol license is more complex than mere indulgence. Small businesses that take advantage of this opportunity achieve much growth and cash flow. 

Here are some significant examples: 

• Increasing Customer Footfall: 

By providing alcoholic beverages, establishments can allure new customers who desire a holistic experience or appreciate socializing while enjoying drinks. Additionally, it can tempt existing customers to prolong their engagement and increase their spending, ultimately boosting overall sales.

• Increased Customer Acquisition and Referrals: 

Customers are more likely to provide positive feedback and publicize a business that offers alcohol. An alcoholic buzz naturally generates enjoyment, leading to increased word-of-mouth advertisement, social media exposure and customer reach. 

• Revenue Generation: 

Alcoholic beverages generally produce higher profit margins in comparison to other products. Since customers often pair their meals or services with complimentary beverages, businesses experience increased revenue and average transaction values as a result. 

• Collaboration Opportunities: 

Creating partnerships with local alcoholic businesses; breweries, wineries, or distilleries, can foster mutually beneficial growth and customer relationships. Joint ventures can generate excitement and draw a broader audience, resulting in mutual benefits for all parties involved.

Enhancing Financial Performance During Special Events: 

Establishments holding alcohol licenses can seize opportunities during special occasions like holidays, celebrations, or seasonal events, experiencing a surge in the demand for alcoholic beverages. By hosting themed events or providing specialty cocktails, they can maximize profitability during these peak periods.

However, acquiring an alcohol license comes with responsibilities and considerations for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Businesses must ensure compliance with regulatory obligations, including age restrictions, responsible service practices, and adherence to local laws and regulations.

Unveiling the Growth of the Alcohol Ecosystem: Prospects for Service and Product Suppliers

With the growing adoption of alcohol licenses among small businesses, a flourishing ecosystem is taking shape. This creates numerous avenues for service and product providers to cater to the distinctive requirements and desires of the alcohol industry. Let us delve into some of the primary domains where these opportunities arise:

Hospitality Services: 

• Event Planning: As businesses increasingly incorporate alcohol into their events, there is an emerging need for professional event planners who specialize in sourcing beverages, setting up bars, and ensuring compliance, among other alcohol-related logistics. 

• Beverage and Product Supplier: Provide products and services that enhance and complement the alcohol experience for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and their customers. This can include items such as glassware, mixers, snacks, entertainment, and more, aiming to create a pleasurable and convenient experience. 

Licensing and Compliance Support: 

• Legal Services:  Law firms and consultants specializing in alcohol licensing and compliance support and guide businesses as they navigate the complex regulatory landscape. 

• Training and Certification: Training providers deliver courses and certification programs to guarantee that businesses and their staff possess comprehensive knowledge of responsible alcohol service practices.

Marketing and Branding Services: 

• Retail Marketing Activation: Create visually appealing and informative displays and promotions that showcase your client’s alcohol products at retail locations to encourage sales. 

• Branding and Design: Consult creative agencies to develop attractive and cohesive branding for alcohol-related products or services, to set yourself apart from the competition. 

Technology Solutions: 

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Providers of POS systems tailored for businesses with alcohol licenses offer features such as inventory management, age verification, and customized reporting to optimize operations.  

• Online Ordering and Delivery Platforms:  The rise in off-premise consumption, creates a demand for online ordering and delivery opportunities, providing convenience for businesses and customers alike. 

Partnering and Advisory Services: 

• Partner with SMBs to create mutually beneficial partnerships with SMBs to cross-promote each other's products or services. For instance, you can offer coupons, discounts, referrals, etc., to SMBs that offer alcohol to their customers, and vice versa. Also consider co-hosting events, contests, giveaways, etc., to attract a wider audience and generate more leads. 

• Educate SMBs on the advantages and recommended approaches of incorporating alcohol licenses into their operations. To illustrate, you can furnish SMBs with valuable insights and support concerning the legal prerequisites, safety protocols, inventory management, and more when it comes to acquiring alcohol licenses. Additionally, you can present stories of triumph and endorsements from fellow SMBs who have integrated alcohol licenses and experienced significant growth as a result.

Unlock the Potential of SMBs' Alcohol License Trend with Your Next Move: 

While you now have an understanding of how SMBs in the US are leveraging alcohol licenses to boost their sales and customer satisfaction, there is so much more data to unfold. 

For example, you require additional data to find SMBs that have recently obtained or applied for an alcohol license. With this information, you can offer these SMBs your products and services that are relevant to their new or upcoming-alcohol related business, such as liquor insurance or financing options. 

Look for data that offers the necessary data to establish partnerships or collaborations with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the alcohol industry. With that data you can also provide educational resources to SMBs, guiding them on the advantages and recommended procedures for obtaining alcohol licenses.