44532 - Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers
Are you curious about the industry behind your favorite beer, wine, or liquor store? NAICS Code 44532 sheds light on the businesses dedicated to selling packaged alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption. Understanding this code is essential for entrepreneurs, investors, and government contractors interested in the retail alcohol market. In this blog post, we dive deep into NAICS 44532, its scope, sector, size standards, and more.
What is NAICS Code 44532?
NAICS Code 44532, titled Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers, covers establishments primarily engaged in retailing packaged alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor. These businesses sell sealed containers of alcoholic drinks directly to consumers for consumption off the premises.
Overview of the Sector
- Sector: Retail Trade
- Industry grouping: Retailers of alcoholic beverages, focusing on off-premise consumption
- Business activities include:
- Selling beer in bottles, cans, or kegs
- Offering a selection of wines from various regions and vintages
- Providing spirits and liquors in different packaging sizes
Typical Business Types Under NAICS 44532
Businesses classified under this code generally include:
- Liquor stores
- Wine shops
- Beer retailers
- Specialty beverage stores focusing on alcoholic packaged goods
These establishments may also offer related products such as mixers, glassware, and party supplies, but their primary business activity remains packaged alcoholic beverage retail for off-premise consumption.
Size Standards for NAICS Code 44532
To qualify as a small business under this NAICS code for government contracting purposes, a business must not exceed:
- $30 million in average annual receipts (subject to periodic updates by the SBA)
This size standard helps determine eligibility for small business programs and set-asides.
NAICS Code 44532 Details at a Glance
| NAICS Code | Title | Sector | Description | Size Standard | Typical Business Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44532 | Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers | Retail Trade | Retailing packaged alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor) for off-premise consumption | $30 million average annual receipts | Liquor stores, wine shops, beer retailers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of products do businesses under NAICS 44532 sell?
Businesses primarily sell packaged beer, wine, and liquor in sealed containers for customers to consume off-premises.
Does this include bars or restaurants?
No, bars and restaurants serve alcoholic beverages on-premise and fall under different NAICS codes.
Can wine shops classified under 44532 sell wine by the glass?
Generally, no. This NAICS code covers off-premise sales of packaged products, not on-premise consumption.
What size standard defines a small business for NAICS 44532?
The SBA defines small businesses under NAICS 44532 as those with average annual receipts of $30 million or less.
Why is NAICS Code 44532 important for government contractors?
Understanding the NAICS code helps businesses identify the correct classification for government contracting, compliance, and eligibility for small business programs.
If you're looking to establish or grow a packaged alcoholic beverage retail business, knowing your NAICS code — 44532 — is vital. This classification not only aligns your business with the proper industry standards but also opens doors to targeted resources and government contracting opportunities within the Retail Trade sector.
