The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation is reporting a drop in revenue for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, which ended on July 2.

According to the unaudited information, net earnings for the quarter totaled $47.2 million, a decrease of over $4 million from the same time the previous year.

Alcohol sales totaled $72.1 million, a slight decrease of less than a percent. The NLC says the drop is mainly due to lower spirits and ready-to-drink sales.

Not all revenues decreased, however. Wine sales, and purchases of beer through NLC corporate stores both increased by around 4 per cent.

As well, the corporation is reporting a strong rebound in sales through licensees due to pandemic restrictions easing. Sales increased to $4.1 million for the quarter, representing a spike of 45 per cent compared to the previous year.

Cannabis sales through licensed cannabis retailers saw a slight increase of 0.7 per cent. In total, including online purchases, cannabis sales totaled $15.4 million.

As well, there are 10 new cannabis retailers in the province compared to Q1 last year, for a total of 40 across the province.