Idaho liquor sales boosted by Washington state residents

BOISE (AP) - Idaho liquor sales are up.

Idaho State Liquor Division Director Jeff Anderson said sales of distilled spirits in fiscal year 2014 that ended in July went up 4.8 percent over the previous year.

Anderson told lawmakers on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that proceeds reached $63 million.

Anderson in his presentation Friday attributes some of the increase to Washington state residents driving across the border to buy cheaper booze.

He said that accounts for 7 percent of Idaho sales.

Anderson says Idaho liquor is a bargain after Washington state voters in 2011 privatized their state liquor sales system and added taxes that increased the cost.

Anderson says Idaho liquor sales immediately received a boost and they have remained steady in the following years.