Ohioans drink up in record levels

COLUMBUS — Ohioans continue to imbibe at record levels, according to new liquor sales statistics released today by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Spirituous-liquor sales reached $898 million for the 2013, up about $49 million from 2012.

The state’s liquor control division reported sales of 12 million gallons for the year, up from 11.9 million in 2012, 11.4 million in 2011 and 11 million in ’10.

The total dollar value for retail sales of beverages containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume rose to $635 million, with a wholesale level of $264 million, increases of 7.4 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

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