Out of spirits

Given Lebanon’s reputation as the liberal party capital of the Middle East, it is no wonder that alcohol consumption in the country increased by 6.3 percent from 2007 to 2012 and that around 942,000 liters of alcohol were consumed last year, according to figures from the International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR). Yet even this lucrative business is starting to feel the heat this year, and some distributors Executive spoke to are finding it hard to maintain their positivity in the face of dwindling tourist numbers and a tightening local market. Since spirits are not basic needs, they are among the first products people spend less on during difficult times. Although the last three months of the year, and all the festivities associated with them, account for a significant chunk of annual spirits sales, distributors are nonetheless expecting a notable decrease in consumption from 2012. “We are not having a