Did you know that over 3000 small businesses in the US added an alcohol license in April of 2023? That’s a 66% increase from the previous year! This is not just a trend for restaurants and bars. SMBs from various industries are adding alcohol to their offerings to boost their revenue and customer satisfaction.
But how can you benefit from this booming alcohol market for SMBs?
At Tarci, we provide data and insights to help businesses that serve or sell to SMBs grow their sales and profits. In this article, we will show you why SMBs are adding alcohol licenses, what benefits they get from it, and how you can leverage this trend to grow your own sales.
Read on to find out more!
Small Businesses Raise a Glass: The Alcohol License Trend
The acquisition of alcohol licenses by small businesses is no longer limited to the realm of traditional restaurants. Across a diverse range of industries, SMBs are raising a glass and capitalizing on this emerging trend. Let’s take a closer look at the key aspects of this evolving landscape:
Beyond the Usual Suspects
- Boutique Shops: Artisanal boutiques, fashion retailers, and specialty stores incorporate alcohol offerings to enhance the shopping experience and create a unique atmosphere.
- Entertainment Venues: Music halls, theaters, and performance spaces are expanding their services by adding bars or lounge areas to attract a wider audience.
- Personal Services: Salons, spas, and wellness centers leverage alcohol licenses to offer clients a refreshing and indulgent experience.
Embracing Experiential Commerce
- Wine and Paint Studios: Art studios are transforming into social hubs, offering customers the opportunity to unleash their creativity while enjoying a glass of wine.
- Cooking Classes with a Twist: Culinary schools and cooking classes are incorporating wine and spirits into their programs, creating a more immersive and enjoyable learning experience.
- Interactive Pop-up Events: Temporary shops, themed experiences, and pop-up events utilize alcohol licenses to create a sense of exclusivity and excitement.
Pouring Profits: Unleashing the Business Potential
The decision to obtain an alcohol license goes beyond mere indulgence. Small businesses that embrace this opportunity can unlock significant potential for growth and profitability. Here are some of the most significant ones:
Increased Customer Footfall
Offering alcoholic beverages can attract new customers who seek a more comprehensive experience or enjoy socializing over drinks. It can entice existing customers to spend more time and money at the establishment, increasing overall sales.
Increased Customer Acquisition and Referrals
Customers are likelier to share their positive experiences and invite their friends and family to a business that offers alcohol. Alcohol can generate word-of-mouth and social media buzz for a business, increasing its exposure and reach.
Revenue Generation
Alcoholic beverages generally have higher profit margins compared to other products, contributing to increased revenue for businesses. Upselling opportunities arise as customers often pair their meals or services with complimentary beverages, boosting average transaction values.
Collaboration Opportunities
Partnering with local breweries, wineries, or distilleries can foster collaborations that drive mutual growth and expand customer reach.
Joint events or promotions can create buzz and attract a wider audience, benefiting all parties involved.
Profitability During Special Events
Businesses with alcohol licenses can capitalize on special occasions such as holidays, celebrations, or seasonal events, often seeing increased demand for alcoholic beverages. Hosting themed events or offering specialty cocktails can further enhance profitability during these peak periods.
However, obtaining an alcohol license also involves responsibilities and considerations for SMBs. Businesses must comply with regulatory requirements, including age restrictions, responsible service practices, and adherence to local laws and regulations.
The Rise of the Alcohol Ecosystem: Opportunities for Service and Product Providers
As small businesses increasingly embrace alcohol licenses, a thriving ecosystem is emerging around this trend. This presents many opportunities for service and product providers to cater to the unique needs and demands of businesses in the alcohol industry. Let’s explore some of the key areas where these opportunities lie:
Hospitality Services
- Event Planning: With more businesses incorporating alcohol into their events, there is a growing need for professional event planners who specialize in managing alcohol-related logistics, such as sourcing beverages, setting up bars, and ensuring compliance.
- Beverage and Product supplier: Offer products or services that complement or enhance the alcohol experience for SMBs and their customers. For example, you can offer glassware, mixers, snacks, entertainment, etc., making the alcohol experience more enjoyable and convenient for SMBs and their customers.
Licensing and Compliance Support
- Legal Services: Law firms and consultants specializing in alcohol licensing and compliance provide guidance and support to businesses navigating the complex regulatory landscape.
- Training and Certification: Training providers offer courses and certification programs to ensure businesses and their staff are well-versed in responsible alcohol service practices.
Marketing and Branding Services
- Retail Activation Marketing: Retail activation: Create attractive and informative displays and promotions that showcase your client’s alcohol products at retail locations and encourage customers to buy them.
- Branding and Design: Creative agencies can assist businesses in developing visually appealing and cohesive branding for their alcohol-related products or experiences, helping them stand out in the crowded market.
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 streamline operations.
- Online Ordering and Delivery Platforms: With the rise in off-premise consumption, platforms that facilitate online ordering and delivery services are seeing increased demand, providing convenience for businesses and customers alike.
Partnering and Advisory Services
- Partner with SMBs that offer alcohol to cross-promote each other’s products or services. For example, you can offer coupons, discounts, referrals, etc., to SMBs that offer alcohol and their customers, and vice versa. You can also co-host events, contests, giveaways, etc., to attract more customers and generate more leads.
- Educate SMBs on the benefits and best practices of adding alcohol licenses to their businesses. For example, you can provide information and guidance on the legal requirements, safety measures, inventory management, etc. of adding alcohol licenses to SMBs. You can also share success stories and testimonials from other SMBs that added alcohol licenses and how it helped them grow.
Your Next Step to Tap into SMBs Alcohol License Trend
You have learned how SMBs in the US are adding alcohol licenses to boost their revenue and customer satisfaction. We have also shown you how to leverage this trend to grow your sales and profits.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more data and insights that Tarci can provide you to help you tap into the booming alcohol market for SMBs.
For example, Tarci can help you find SMBs that have recently obtained or applied for an alcohol license. This way, you can offer them your products and services that are relevant to their new or upcoming alcohol-related business. For instance, you can provide them with liquor insurance or financing options for their new service with alcohol.
This is just one of the many ways that Tarci can help you tap into the alcohol market for SMBs. Whether you want to create partnerships or collaborations with SMBs that offer alcohol or educate SMBs on the benefits and best practices of adding alcohol licenses, Tarci can help you with all that and more.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and get ready to grow your sales and profits with the booming alcohol market for SMBs.
