RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Virginians bought more alcohol in the state’s beverage control stores and restaurants as the state agency again saw a record sales in the last fiscal year. The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control says it has seen sales increase to record-breaking levels consecutively for the past 16 years. The agency that runs 350 shops saw a profit of $140 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30. Gross wholesale and retail sales increased nearly 4 percent to $801 million. Sales at retail stores grew nearly 5 percent while sales to restaurants increased nearly 2 percent. Jack Daniel’s remained the top-selling brand based on dollar figures, followed by Smirnoff 80, Jim Beam and Grey Goose. Meanwhile sales of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky more than doubled compared with last year.
