A 2006 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms accounting of profits from beer, wine and liquor sales uncovered a shocking fact. Americans are spending enough on alcoholic drinks to cover the health care costs of the uninsured.
"We were a little surprised," said an ATF accountant. "When we crunched the numbers, the profits generated from spirit sales more than covered the estimated cost to treat uninsured individuals."
Hard liquor was by far the most profitable, but "microbrews are highly profitable," said the spokesman. "Wine wasn't far behind."
With the growing number of single adults hitting their local bars to unwind, customers were shocked.
"I go out after work on Friday to have a glass of wine, but I see how much some people spend on drinks," said one bar patron. "I never imagined so many people spent so much on drinks."
Copyright © 2007, SkewsMe
