Some private liquor store owners who took over state stores after Washington left the business last June say it hasn't been easy.

Several told the Yakima Herald-Republic ( http://bit.ly/Vgl2ZY) they can't get by selling only alcohol. They're selling other products and promoting convenience and customer service to compete with bigger stores and groceries.

Washington Liquor Store Association President Jas Sangha says the biggest challenge is a 17 percent fee for retailers on hard liquor sales. Liquor distributors can sell directly to restaurants at lower prices.

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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakimaherald.com