Beer is big business for local pubs and bars on St. Patrick’s Day in Denton.

For the Abbey Inn Restaurant and Pub on the Square, the holiday is one of the five most important beer-selling days of the year, said Tim Trawick, one of the owners of Abbey Inn.

DRC/Barron Ludlum

Tim Trawick, one of the owners of the Abbey Inn Restaurant and Pub on the Square, says that St. Patrick’s Day is one of the five most important beer-selling days of the year. A national survey of consumer intentions states that Americans are more likely to stash away money on St. Patty’s Day than spend it this year.

View larger More photos Photo store

“It’s a good day for business; it’s during spring break and another good excuse for people to come out and drink,” Trawick said.

But St. Patty’s Day beer sales could lose their fizz at bars this year because of a depressed economy.

A national survey of consumer intentions states that Americans are more likely to stash away money on St. Patty’s Day than spend it this year.

Projected consumer spending this year will fall about 10 percent from last year, according to the National Retail Federation’s St. Patrick’s Day survey.

And on average, each consumer will spend about two dollars less than last year, it said.

Consumers will likely reel in their spending and scale down their celebrations compared to last year, said Tracy Mullin, the National Retail Federation president and chief executive officer.

“Increased concern about the economy among young adults has forced many of them to pull back on discretionary income,” Mullin said.

But in North Texas, the alcoholic beverage industry hasn’t been affected by the economy, said Kevin Sanders, general manager at Paradise Liquors in Corral City.

“All things considered, business has been pretty good. There is nothing out of the ordinary, either up or down. They’ve [alcohol sales ] been pretty flat and flat is the new black,” Sanders said.

He said the stable alcohol sales show how well Denton bars are run as well as their attention to marketing.

“We help out where we can, but they do a good job at their own locations,” Sanders said.

For Abbey Inn, green beer will make its appearance on St. Patty’s Day and a steady stream of customers is expected throughout the day, Trawick said.

And beer isn’t the only item the restaurant will stock up on.

Along with selling pints, the Irish-style bar puts together a special menu for the holiday that includes corned beef and cabbage, bread pudding and Guinness Day stew.

“Last year was our first year, and we didn’t know what to expect, but we sold out of our specials,” Trawick said. “That’s kind of the goal: to sell out. We are definitely going to prep up this year.”

CANDACE CARLISLE can be reached at 940-566-6889. Her e-mail address is ccarlisle@dentonrc.com .