MIDDLETOWN — Despite a down economy and with people tightening their budgets, people still found money to purchase alcohol.

Spirituous liquor sales reached a record $742.7 million in 2010, or a 1.75 percent increase over the previous year, according to a report release by the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. The division’s total net profit has steadily increased, reaching a record $228.8 million — a $4.6 million increase from the previous year.

The report cites efficient inventory control, product selections and location of sales outlets for the increase in sales.

Randy Combs, who owns Liquor Quick on Edgewood Drive in Trenton, said liquor sales at his store were up 4 percent — or $40,000 — from 2009 to ’10. Liquor sales last year exceeded $1 million, he said.

But at the same time, he said sales of wine and beer were down over the previous year. He said consumers are choosing to purchase liquor and drinking it at home, instead of in bars or restaurants. Combs blamed that on higher beer prices, the soft economy and the state smoking ban.

A clerk at Franklin Party Supply said when people are out of work, and they’re watching their budgets, they still find the money to purchase alcohol.

Record sales have resulted in more contributions to state agencies from the Division of Liquor Control. The division contributed more than $300 million in earmarked funds to help state services and the retirement of state bonds.

Approximately half of the $300 million went to the state’s General Revenue Fund, while $35.9 million went to economic development bonds and $14.9 million to Clean Ohio revitalization bonds.