Louisiana House OKs increased beer fees.

Selling beer in Louisiana would cost restaurants, bars and stores more money, under a measure the full Louisiana House approved last week to double permit fees.

The bill by Rep. Rick Farrar, D-Pineville, would bring in nearly $388,000 more to the state to increase the pay of agents for the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, hire more agents and buy the agency a new computer system.

Bars and restaurants would pay $60 a year, up from $30; convenience stores would pay $50, up from $20. Wholesalers' fees will go from $500 to $1,000. The legislation moves next to the Senate.

Murphy Painter, commissioner of the Alcohol and Tobacco Control office, has said the beer fees had not been increased since 1947.