In total, sales of all alcoholic beverages marked a 9.1 percent rise since Oct. 1 compared with the same period last year. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – Sales of alcoholic beverages have shown an unusual increase since October, a leading retailer said Wednesday, possibly from more people drinking at home after an anti-corruption law took effect.
According to E-Mart, whiskey sales during the Oct. 1-Nov. 21 period rose 11.7 percent compared with the same period last year. By contrast, sales for July-September months increased 3.2 percent from the year before. Whiskey sales for entire 2015 fell 12.3 percent from the previous year.
The anti-corruption law, which limits providing free meals and other types of gifts, went into force on Sept. 28. The law is said to have changed the life patterns for many, with business dinners, often followed by drinks, now heavily restricted. Officials at E-Mart say the consumption trend is changing, with alcohol sales that came mostly from entertainment establishments also coming from individuals who now drink at home.
Sales of soju and beer also increased, E-Mart’s records showed.
Beer sales rose 14.2 percent in the measured period compared with 11.1 percent for July-September months. For soju, the locally popular rice-based alcohol, sales increased 9.7 percent compared with 6.7 percent.
In total, sales of all alcoholic beverages marked a 9.1 percent rise since Oct. 1 compared with the same period last year.
(Yonhap)
