Washington liquor sales pick up in July

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington liquor sales picked back up in July, the second month people were able to buy liquor in Washington grocery stores and other markets. Sales were up 15.4 percent compared to July 2011.

State officials attribute the jump in sales to consumers, as well as bars and restaurants, stocking back up in July after skipping some purchases in June. Sales figures show they stocked up in May before expected price increases under the new system.

Sales are also up for the three months ending in July. Sales volume increased 10.7 percent compared to the same three months in 2011.

State officials say prices are still higher than under the state-run system, but they went down a bit in July.

Tax revenues have also increased. The state collected $68 million during the three months ending in July.