Liquor sales surged in April, helping the island to a 16th consecutive month of retail sales gains.

But motor vehicles sales suffered their first drop in nearly a year, according to the latest government statistics.

Retail sales in April totalled $92.2 million, an increase of 2.3 per cent over April 2015, with four of the seven sectors in the Retail Sales Index recording gains. Sales volume — after inflation is taken into account — rose 0.4 per cent.

Building material retailers registered the largest gain in sales receipts of 15.1 per cent, as demand for building installations increased.

Motor vehicle stores recorded the largest fall, dipping 3.8 per cent — their first fall since May last year. Car sales fell, but more motorcycles were sold in response to sales promotions.

Liquor sales rose 7 per cent, or 3.2 per cent after inflation, while food sales also rose 4.7 per cent.

decrease in sales of 3.8 per cent.

Service station receipts were 4.4 per cent higher as fuel costs rose 4.9 per cent, while apparel stores sales fell 3.7 per cent on lower demand.

Residents declared $4.7 million in overseas purchases during the month compared to $5 million in April 2015.

Excluding Sundays, there were 26 shopping days during the month, one more than April 2015.