Top Security Measures for Beverage Alcohol Retailers
Store security remains a critical concern for beverage alcohol retailers nationwide .
by KRYSTINA SKIBO
A recent study conducted by the National Retail Federation found that retailers reported a 93 % increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 versus 2019 , and a 90 % increase in dollar loss due to shoplifting over the same time . And this isn ’ t the first time there has been a spike in theft . Shortly after physical storefronts began reopening after the height of the Covid- 19 pandemic , the Council on Criminal Justice cited an increase in shoplifting incidents that were reported to police . New York and Los Angeles had the largest increases in reported shoplifting among the cities that were studied , according to the report .
Esquin Wine & Spirits owner Marques Warren also noticed an uptick in security incidents at his Seattle , Washington store during the pandemic .
“ The decision was made at that time to install access control and a buzzer at the front door ,” he explains . “ Initially , it was thought that this might not be well received by customers , but the imposition to customers is very minimal and the peace of mind it has provided the staff is immeasurable .”
Especially at a time when shoplifting incidents are increasing , it ’ s important
PHOTO CREDIT : © HIGHWAYSTARZ - STOCK . ADOBE . COM for beverage retailers to make sure that their employees feel safe .
THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF SECURITY THREATS
Beverage alcohol retailers face a variety of security threats . Identifying the most damaging risks can help management implement effective solutions .
In Interface Security Systems ’ 2024 State of Remote Video Monitoring in Retail Chains Report , the organization identified the top three security incidents from retailers in 2024 that led to police dispatch : theft or loss , disturbances and loitering / panhandling . Loitering or panhandling had the highest rate of police dispatches ( 65.76 %), followed by burglary ( 65.02 %) and disturbances ( 63.97 %), according to the report .
Interface Security Systems ’ data revealed a steady rise in theft / loss incidents over 2024 , with the highest number recorded in July ( 4,621 incidents ) and the lowest number recorded in September ( 3,467 incidents ).
By taking note of your store ’ s busiest seasons , you can help prevent security threats . Beverage Dynamics spoke with a few store owners to see what works best for them .
EMPLOYEES ARE THE BEST SECURITY SYSTEM
Aside from the installations Warren made to Esquin , “ being able to control who is in your store is another key to keeping theft to a minimum ,” he says .
At his other liquor store , Downtown Spirits , also located in Seattle , Warren had the opportunity to design the store from scratch , which allowed him to build a longer pathway between the entrance and merchandise . He also added a greeters ’ station and cashpoint at the very front .
“ This reduces the speed at which shoplifters can operate and increases our ability to recover any goods that a shoplifter might try to walk out with ,” he says .
Sometimes the best security system is your employees . With the right training , they can stop a shoplifter before
16 Beverage Dynamics • Spring 2025 www . beveragedynamics . com