Sales at NB Liquor are down for the first quarter of the fiscal year, but the company says because of an increase in sales last year, they're actually on track. (NB Liquor)

Story by Brad Perry

Liquor sales for the first quarter of 2012-13 have been released, and the results are sobering.

Total sales as of July 1, 2012 are $99.2 million - that's down $4.7 million from the same time last year.

NB Liquor vice-president and chief financial officer Christopher Evans says the numbers were up last year thanks to a discount beer sale, so the numbers actually on track for the average year.

Total beer sales were down by $4.4 million, or about 7.4 per cent.

Sales of spirits and other beverages were down by around $500,000.

Wine sales were up by $200,000.

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