Side effect of self-isolation: New Yorkers drink more often

In the Big Apple, an unexpected side effect of the self-isolation regime is noted: people began to drink significantly more, and they do this earlier than usual. Writes about it Gazeta.Ru.

Significant increase in alcohol sales

Due to the sharp increase in the number of cases of COVID-19, authorities urged New Yorkers to stay home. In conditions of self-isolation, townspeople began to order food delivery more often, and with it alcohol. The number of users of applications for the delivery of alcoholic beverages has grown significantly, bars and restaurants with the permission of the authorities began to deliver even cocktails to the townspeople.

March 18, the city portal Grub Street reported that the number of users of applications for ordering alcoholic drinks at home has increased several times. It is noted that in 72 hours the number of Drizly subscribers has grown by 450% (in Brooklyn this figure is 750%). Another application, Minibar, reported a doubling of orders.

According to Drizly Marketing Director Scott Brown, watching this was amazing. Now he makes sure that due to the influx of clients the application works properly.

In one of the supermarkets specializing in the sale of alcoholic beverages, sales also increased. The manager, who refused to give his name, showed a thick packet of receipts from applications for ordering alcohol. According to a supermarket employee, he has just shipped 700 orders and is afraid that the goods will soon be sold out. According to him, now every night reminds him of New Year.

What do they order more and how much do they spend

According to application statistics, New Yorkers most often buy wine and vodka, French champagne and tequila are slightly less popular.

The average Minibar check rose to $ 88 from $ 71; the average order amount from Drizly doubled.

The time when people most often order alcohol coincides with the end of the school day in schools. According to the application data, orders begin to arrive at 14: 00-15: 00.

The cashier at a liquor store told how one of the application’s customers admitted that he ordered a huge amount of beer, because “the wife does not allow to leave home”.

The position of the authorities

The authorities of New York did not resist the desire of citizens to drink. So, last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo demanded that New Yorkers stay at home and announced the closure of all stores and establishments that do not provide essential goods or services. However, even after this statement, the points of sale of alcohol continued to work. And all because alcohol was considered "essential products."

Moreover, during the period of the coronavirus epidemic in New York, anti-alcohol legislation was eased. Bars and restaurants now have the right to deliver wine, spirits and alcoholic cocktails to their homes.

True, there are several conditions put forward by business: the courier must have a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages, and you can order alcohol only with food. In addition, it is necessary to deliver cocktails in tightly closed and sealed containers.

On the subject: Test points for COVID-19 on drive-thru system earned in New York: where to find them

It is worth noting that bars and restaurants today can stay afloat, earning on delivery. After all, New Yorkers cannot yet visit institutions in person.

According to the mayor of Bill de Blasio, as of the morning of March 26, the number of cases of COVID-19 in New York reached 17 856. The number of cases in New York City is about 54% of the total number of cases in New York State, and about 32% (almost a third) of cases - all over America. The death toll from coronavirus in New York reached nearly 200 people.

Recall that during a coronavirus outbreak in New York State, nature parks and walkways remain open but you can go for a walk on certain conditions. More on these conditions read in this material.