The Minnesota Auditor says municipal liquor store revenues are up across the state for the 23rd consecutive year, with total sales of $360 million for 2018.
Bemidji-owned liquor store sales have increased as well, according to City Finance Director Ron Eischens.
Eischens says liquor sales increased one and a half percent from 2017 to 2018, which is approximately $90,000.
Eischens says this percentage increase is slightly lower than previous years, but he says it’s related to the construction of the new liquor store, limiting access and parking to the former Discount Liquor store.
Sales for Bemidji’s liquor stores in 2019 through November are up seven percent.
Eischens says the city uses liquor store profits to reduce property taxes and to fund special community projects.
