WEST ALTON, MO ( KPLR )—
When Illinois raised its tax on beer wine and liquor some customers rushed out to the store and stocked up with as much booze as they could afford. Now, nearly a month later, some Missouri business owners say they're sales have jumped."A lot more people we stay very busy," said April Hunt, Fisca cashier.
Some bottles of liquor now cost an extra $3 in Illinois depending on the store. Gas and cigarette taxes are higher in Illinois as well. Customers are noticing the extra cost."Absolutely on everything, cigarettes, gas and now liquor," Charles Armstead, customer.
Some stores worry that Cardinals fan stocking up for a playoff party with run off to Missouri for their celebrations.
"I think it's hurt Illinois a lot," said Jane Zarantonello, Illinois resident.
She says it's not only the taxes but a smoking ban that's hurt Illinois as well.
"I've noticed the business where we work has gone down immensely," said Zarantonello
A drop in business in one place means more business somewhere else. In this case businesses on the Missouri side of the river appear to be benefiting from the cost difference.
"I just see more people coming over here buying liquor you know 'cause it's cheaper," said Tina Lawrence, KaKi's Sports Bar & Grill
The bar is also a haven for Illinois smokers looking for a place to light up.
"Well that makes us come over here where we can smoke," said Dave Bullard, customer.
One Illinois liquor store owner said it's the smaller, independent stores that might be squeezed out. He hopes customers will remain loyal and understand it's not the stores raising prices but its the taxes that are filling a giant budget gap.
The tax is expected to collect more than $100 million for roads, bridges and schools.
