Here's an odd twist on this morning's debate in JFAC over the evils of opening state liquor stores later: About a dozen state liquor stores already are open until 9 p.m., though standard hours statewide are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The proposal in the Liquor Division's request for next year would add the evening hours at 27 more of the busiest stores, on a six-month trial basis, into what Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, called the "gettin'-in-trouble time."

Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, said the division consulted with the Idaho State Police before making the proposal, and determined that most liquor-related problems occur after 10 p.m.; that's why the agency set the closing time in its proposal at 9 p.m. Rep. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, arguing against the later hours, told JFAC, "I don't believe the state should be in the business of encouraging more consumption of alcohol by having longer store hours. I think we should be in the business of encouraging responsible consumption of alcohol, and by extending the hours we're saying it's OK to increase consumption for our profit and that's why we want to do it. I just don't think we should be in that position."

Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle, said, "The agency has taken a very thoughtful, conservative approach to the store expansion hours and days. ... They have found that a lot of younger folk shop on Sundays and after 7 at night. ... I think that the goal would be to not allow intemperate use, and that I don't think will happen with this," she said. "I'm much opposed to good Rep. Eskridge's description of what happens between 7 and 9 p.m. ... I think they can ... actually make some more money for the state."