spirits trade association c.e.o. peter cressy also credits greater cultural acceptance of hard alcohol, like bourbon, vodka and tequila. >> a really nice, well-made cocktail is a thing of art. you watch a really good bartender at one of the great bars here in new york or elsewhere, it's really pretty special. >> reporter: bars like this one are where spirits are frequently consumed, but more drinking actually happens at home. the industry says that's in part because 37 states now are permitted to sell spirits on sundays. the beer industry, however, is battling back. anheuser busch is devoting a big chunk of its pricey super bowl ad time this sunday to bud light platinum. the new beer has a higher alcohol content and is aimed at younger, urban drinkers. but beer's problems extend beyond marketing, to the u.s. economy. that's because many out-of-work americans today tend to be beer drinkers rather than liquor consumers. so what does this booze battle mean for beverage stocks? last year, it was a bit of a mixed drink fo