Washington state voters told the state to get out of the liquor business last year with a referendum. We saw no good reason for the state to own real estate (liquor stores) and manage the sale of liquor. Union store workers sued in attempt to retain their jobs with no luck.

Alcohol prices were suppose to stay relatively the same but, ‘surprise’, the state added taxes and license fees to make sure they got their cut.

We knew prices might go up a little bit but competition was supposed to offset the increase. Now drinkers are suffering “sticker shock”. Increases of 30% – 40%.

Could be a good thing, consumption might go down. Need to savor the martinis and quit knocking em back….