Nashville, TN — As Americans gear up for the Fourth of July, festivities are set to include more than just fireworks and barbecues. Retailers expect a noteworthy spike in alcohol sales as millions celebrate Independence Day. In 2023, U.S. consumers spent a whopping $4.02 billion on alcoholic drinks during the month of July, with beers, ciders, and flavored malt beverages leading the charges, according to data compiled by Capital One Shopping Research.
This surge includes significant expenditure on diverse alcoholic options; wine purchases reached $656 million while spirits like whiskey and vodka accounted for $900 million. Such statistics render the holiday one of the most lucrative periods for the alcohol industry.
As revelers stock their coolers, Tennessee’s alcohol laws play a crucial role in shaping purchase behaviors. Since 2018, the state has allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages and wine on holidays, including Sundays, Labor Day, New Year’s Day, and notably, the Fourth of July.
In Tennessee, the availability of alcohol extends to grocery stores albeit limited to the sale of beer and wine. For those planning their holiday celebrations, alcohol can be bought between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
During the Independence Day celebrations, the American Automobile Association (AAA) will activate its “Tow to Go” service in Tennessee, offering free towing services to help keep impaired drivers off the roads. The program, which commences on July 3 and concludes at 6 a.m. on July 8, dispatches tow trucks to transport both the vehicle and its driver to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
Megan Cooper, a spokesperson for AAA, emphasized the initiative’s goal of preventing driving under the influence. “By providing ‘Tow to Go,’ AAA removes any excuse for impaired driving,” Cooper stated. “We strongly advise planning a safe ride home whether that be through designating a sober driver or arranging a ride through services like Tow to Go.”
The service is available to both AAA members and non-members and is primarily intended for those without other safe transportation options. However, availability might vary based to geographical and weather-based limitations.
This combination of robust sales and vigilant safety measures highlights the dual nature of holiday festivities — enjoyment tempered by responsibility. As millions toast to the nation’s independence, initiatives like Tow to Go ensure that celebrations remain safe for all involved. Community members can contact Tow to Go at (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246 for assistance, making sure that the holiday remains festive and free from preventable accidents.