Alcohol shortages put the brakes on upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays

Liquor suppliers across the United States are warning customers that their favorite spirits may not be readily available as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, highlighting several supply chain issues causing empty spaces on shelves that could not to be fulfilled in the near future.

Lisa Hawkins, senior vice president of public affairs for the Distilled Spirits Council, told FOX Business: “The spirits industry, like many others, is affected by shortages of glass, pallets, containers and drivers. “

“With the holidays approaching and inventory levels low in some cases, customers should be on the lookout now if they have a very specific bottle of spirits in mind,” Hawkins added.

“You have shipping issues, you have glass shortages, you have aging requirements that need to be met – deal with all of these things at once,” Booze Barn manager Daniel Mitchell told WILX-TV. , in Lansing, Michigan.

Several Michigan stores are complaining about a lack of tequila shipments, especially after producers were hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Mitchell explained, “Once these companies are late, things have to stay in barrels for X times. You unfortunately can’t speed that up.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 08: The Hennessy XO Holiday Limited Edition Bottle is on display at Hennessy’s “Le Voyage” hosted by Thuy-Anh J. Nguyen on November 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez / Getty Images for Hennessy) (Photo by Noel Vasquez / Getty Images for Hennessy)

‘CANDEMIA’: SUPPLY CHAIN ​​PROBLEMS AFFECT BREWERIES, CAUSING ALUMINUM SHORTAGE

Utah’s Department of Alcohol Control is also warning of shortages during the holidays, namely various Hennessy and Patron Silver Tequila cognacs, as well as Dom Perignon Blanc and Moët Imperial Brut Champagne.

The agency told FOX 13 that Thanksgiving is typically the busiest week for state-run liquor stores, and customers should expect long lines or make alternative choices when it comes to shopping. ‘they might not have otherwise.

“If you walk into the store and find that your product is not available, take the opportunity to shop locally,” said Tiffany Clason, executive director of the Utah Alcohol Control Department. “We have a lot of local manufacturers making products that are just as good, if not better, than our national brands.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Thanksgiving Daiquiri Photographed in Washington, DC. (Photo by Deb Lindsey for the Washington Post via Getty Images). (Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission says their condition will likely be more protected than most alcohol shortages, but those planning their favorite vacation libations should always be prepared for a few pains.

“New Hampshire is luckier than other states because of the Liquor Commission ordering practices, our inventory needs and the capacity we have in our warehouse of over one million cases in Bow,” said spokesperson EJ Powers told Seacoastonline, who reported that “Texas liquor stores in New York” are currently facing shortages.

“All of that being said,” Powers continued, “the supply chain issues are very real and will impact all liquor retailers across the country at some point, particularly during the busy holiday season.”