Getting your drinking done early in today’s economy

The Happy Hour at Water’s Edge Restaurant on Shem Creek has those looking for fun at a reasonable price.

Consumer researchers say people are not necessarily skip going out all together but choosing to do it at lunch and happy hour rather than at dinner and night.

Mintel International Group forecasts overall alcohol sales at bars and restaurants will drop this year by 1.2 % to $54.2 billion. That would be the first drop since 2003 where Americans spend less at bars and restaurants.

Ellen Sanford having a late lunch with friends at Water’s Edge says she sees the trend as people, “get a good quantity at lunch, and a nice atmosphere without so much cost.“

As for what people drink that is changing too. Beer, especially domestic brands, is replacing more expensive wine and spirits for many drinkers.

Overall researchers say the fast growing trend is doing your drinking in the home. Mintel predicts a 7.2 % increase in spending on wine at retail stores.