According to state estimates dated November 10, the annual tax revenue from alcohol sales this year is $73.2 million. That’s up from $68.9 million a year ago. The increase has come even as people have cut back on gatherings. “We were thinking we were going to lose a lot of parties (this summer) from Father’s Day and things like that but those parties went off well,” added Downes. Those parties though were outside. With the colder weather, holiday gatherings are likely to be inside and much smaller. “In the past, I’ve gone to parties but this year we’re not. We’ll just be at home with the family,” said Stephanie Weaver who traveled from Alexandria, VA to visit family in Wethersfield.