Specialty beer shop trend increases in New York City; city issued 157 tavern wine licenses last year, double the number from 2005, according to authorities

Nevin Barich

LOS ANGELES , January 6, 2012 (Industry Intelligence) – The number of specialty beer shops in New York City is increasing, the Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 5.

The specialty beer shops offer a boutique atmosphere for beer connoisseurs, who can sample a wide selection of craft beers.

According to the New York State Liquor Authority, New York City issued 157 tavern wine licenses last year, nearly double the number issued in 2005.

City Swiggers and Top Hops, both of which offer hundreds of beers, are examples of specialty beer shops that are opening in New York City. Major grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market are also catering to beer buffs. The Whole Foods at Columbus Circle recently opened a tavern-like beer-tasting area inside the market.

The primary source of this article is the Wall Street Journal, New York, New York, on Jan. 5, 2012.

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