Frustration Expressed at Sharp Increase of Sedro-Woolley Alcohol License Fees

November 16, 2011

Restaurant and bar owners have expressed frustration at the sharp increase of Sedro-Woolley, WA alcohol license fees. The business license fees were stepped up by more than 85% from a $35 annual fee to $250.

City officials complain that incidents caused by drunks in the neighborhood call for an increase in police activity. They claim that this should be paid for by the ones indirectly causing the violence, namely the businesses who sell alcohol. With a budget deficit and talk of laying off a public officer, city officials are looking to augment their income in order to be able to carry on the services that are necessary for public safety.

As KomoNews.com quotes City Supervisor Eron Berg having said "You can't deny the fact that alcohol-related businesses generate more calls for service. There is a cost associated with that, and that's the issue. Who pays for that cost."

City officials estimate that the increase in alcohol license fees will bring in an additional $6,000 in revenue each year.

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