LACEY — The state Liquor Control Board has voted to raise the markup on alcohol by about a third.
At today’s meeting in Lacey the board approved a 32 percent increase in the amount the state charges over costs.
Spokesman Brian E. Smith says final prices will be affected by suppliers and taxes. For an example, Monarch vodka, the most popular product in state liquor stores, will go from about $9.95 to $10.75 a bottle.
The increase will take effect Aug. 1 and raise about $80 million in the next two-year budget cycle. The action will offset $79 million the Legislature removed from a liquor fund.
A vice president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, David Wojnar, told The News Tribune of Tacoma the price hike is a stealth tax.
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