Ohio Department of Commerce Director Kimberly A. Zurz and Superintendent of Liquor Control Terry Poole announced that the Division of Liquor Control transferred $163 million in spirituous liquor sales revenue to the state’s General Revenue Fund (GRF) in Fiscal Year 2009.
Spirituous liquor is defined as intoxicating liquor containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume.
Spirituous liquor dollar sales at the state’s 442 contract liquor agencies reached a record high of $729.9 million in Fiscal Year 2009. This was an increase of $32.2 million (or 4.61%) over sales in Fiscal Year 2008. In addition, the Division’s net profit increased to $224.2 million, an increase of $11.2 million over Fiscal Year 2008. The Division’s profit margin also increased in Fiscal Year 2009 to 30.1%.
“During the past fiscal year, the Division of Liquor Control managed operations with increased efficiency. Greater net profit and a larger profit margin helped the Division contribute vital revenue to the state,” said Kimberly Zurz.
In addition to the GRF transfer, the Division contributed another $136 million in liquor sales and tax revenue to help fund a variety of services. The Division’s total contribution for Fiscal Year 2009 was $299 million.
Total gallons of spirituous liquor sold in fiscal year 2009 was 10.6 million gallons, an increase of 309,122 gallons (or 3%) compared to fiscal year 2008.
