Bars Edge Ahead as On-Premise Drinking Rises and At-Home Alcohol Purchases Fall
Bank of America data show a shift in U.S. alcohol spending in 2025: spending at bars rose about 4%, while retail spending on alcohol fell roughly 5%, pushing alcohol’s share of consumer outlays to a four-decade low. The divergence is fueling bar-driven growth and prompting venues to expand menus with nonalcoholic options, a trend led by Gen Z. Simultaneously, U.S. alcohol exports slumped amid tariffs—wine exports globally down about 33%, Canada down about 77%—and major producers like Molson Coors and Heineken warned of weaker earnings or job cuts as demand softens. The narrative sits alongside ongoing debate about alcohol’s social role and updated dietary guidance to drink less.
