BILLINGS – Growth in liquor sales was tempered in 2009, likely due to the economy and the indoor smoking ban that took effect for bars and casinos in October, state officials said.

Figures from the Department of Revenue’s Liquor Control Division show liquor sales grew 1.9 percent in 2009 after growing at least 5 percent a year over the past decade. The worst month was October, when liquor sales were down $1.5 million compared with the same month in 2008.

“It’s undeniable across the board that the smoking ban had a negative impact on licensed premises,” said Mark Staples of the Montana Tavern Association.

In Yellowstone County, October liquor sales were off 20 percent compared with October 2008.

Source: Flathead Beacon.  Link