Mississippi sees large increase in alcohol sales during pandemic

GULFPORT, Miss. — Alcohol sales in Mississippi are seeing a big increase during the coronavirus pandemic. The Mississippi Department of Revenue announced the increase in a social media post last week.

Officials say that the department’s division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is shipping at capacity every night.

In a post on Facebook, the department said “The ABC is experiencing record numbers of orders at levels we have not previously seen. Since March 16th, we have shipped 932,120 cases which represents an increase of 140,785 cases over last year.”

Crews are working to clear a backlog of requests at the state warehouse that supplies wine and alcohol for liquor stores, restaurants and casinos.

The agency is asking customers for patience as it works to fulfill orders.