MV Coho ferry adds duty free shop

Published 2:28 pm Wednesday, April 8, 2009

PORT ANGELES — Travelers have another reason to ride the MV Coho — good deals.

Black Ball Ferry Line opened a duty free shop aboard its 341-foot car-passenger ferry that crosses the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Port Angeles and Victoria year-round.

Duty free shops have discount prices on non-taxed beer, liquor and tobacco products.

For the first time in 50 years, the 90-minute crossing known for scenery and reliability will include a duty free shop.

“Sales were good yesterday, our very first day, with no advertising,” said Rian Anderson, Port Angeles district manager for Black Ball Ferry Line.

The decision to open a duty free shop stemmed from public demand. Washington and British Columbia are among the highest-taxed states and provinces, Anderson said.