Video: Beer and candy booming in struggling economy

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SEATTLE – It has been said that beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. They're proving that with every pour at Redmond's Malt and Vine Bottleshop.

Even in tough economic times, the store posted its best business ever just last week. Statewide, alcohol sales are up 16 percent over 2005 to some $838 million.

At Malt and Vine, conscious beer lovers pack a lunch and splurge on fancy brews starting at $4 a glass.

As the economy turns sour, people are seeking the sweet. Candy is among the recession-proof products listed by Nielsen research. Customers are willing to pay $2 to $3 for a chocolate bar from Seattle chocolates. Sales there are up 5 percent so far this year:

"It's a mood elevator. It's an energy booster. It's a stress reliever. So if you think about all those reasons why they're reaching for premium chocolate, it ties in nicely with the time in their life that they're struggling.

But man cannot live by beer and candy alone, at least not for long. People need inspiration, something to look forward to. That's where the lottery comes in.

State lottery officials say sales are up for the fifth straight year.

Coffee is one of the things people are cutting back on. Starbucks says it will have fewer customers this year for the first time ever.