OLYMPIA, Wash. — The marketing manager of the state Liquor Control Board says sales seem to be recession proof.

Steve Burnell says sales of liquor and wine are up about 5 percent this year over the $774 million total last year.

He told The Tacoma News Tribune many people see liquor as an affordable luxury they are not giving up.

Burnell says the trend of the past few years is for people to consume less but to choose premium brands.

Burnell also says that for some reason tequila is popular in Washington — probably eighth or ninth in the country.