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Alcohol Sales May Hurt Southern McDonald County Businesses

By: Eric Crosswhite
Updated: November 28, 2012
MCDONALD COUTNY, MO.--- When voters in Benton County decided to allow the sale of alcohol, it was clear business North of the state line would suffer.

"We know it'll hurt but we don't know how much," states Keith Lindquist, Presiding Commissioner.

However, McDonald County Commissioners believe there are still reasons for Arkansas residents to make the drive. 

"We still feel like our sales tax is less and we're hearing that our cigarette tax is less so we're optimistic but we do know it will hurt," states Lindquist.

Sales tax rates on the Missouri side of the state line average close to 7.5%, but in Bentonville, Arkansas shoppers pay 9%. 

"It'll take a while for stores to be built and quick stops and all that kind of stuff, get their licenses in line so it won't be an over night great decrease but it will happen through time," states Lindquist.

County leaders say Southern McDonald County towns like Jane and Noel will suffer the most. 

"I don't know if there is any way to make up for something like that. We just hope that the sales tax keeps coming in." states Lindquist.

They are hopeful the new Crowder College Campus being built in Jane will help make up for the loss of alcohol sales.

"We hope that will bring in enough new businesses in the area that it will help us out as far as what we lose there, we think we'll pick up with new businesses coming in," states Lindquist.

Commissioners say only time will tell how much McDonald county businesses are affected. 

"I think everybody has got their heads together and looking at this the best way they can but we'll survive. We'll make it work," states Lindquist.

Employees at some liquor stores in McDonald County tell KSN that owners have made an agreement to not voice their opinions on the issue. The choice is up to Arkansas shoppers whether they continue to visit Missouri liquor stores, like they have for decades. 
 

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