The Friday File: While sales of paper products and comfort foods spiked in March and early April, they’re returning to normal. Not so for alcohol! For the five weeks ending 4/18, retail sales are up an average of 24%, with spirits up the most at 33% (with ready-to-drink cocktails, tequila, and gin up the most). Total drinking probably isn’t up as 20%-25% of alcohol is normally consumed outside the home.