You might want to stock up on tequila and rum if margaritas or mojitos are on your summer menu, because prices are likely going up at many local retailers this week - and prices are just one of several big changes in store when Washington state abandons its long-held place in the liquor business.

Voters approved Initiative 1183 last fall, allowing stores larger than 10,000 square feet and some smaller stores to sell liquor. Supporters touted the initiative, backed by warehouse giant Costco Wholesale Corp., as a free-market reform for an industry monopolized by the state since the end of Prohibition.

Under the measure, restaurants and bars were allowed to begin buying liquor directly from distributors March 1, and they can begin buying directly from retail stores June 1.

Between July 11th and August 7th, we are asking you to take a second (today or once a day) and vote for the favorites in your community. All you had to do is choose your community, write in your nominations and submit. Yep, that easy. You’ll vote for these categories: Eat, Drink and Be Merry, It’s All About the Art and Entertainment, Shop ‘Til You Drop, Look and Feel Your Best, It Is Your Business and Pet Projects plus we might ask a little about you.

Don’t worry, we won’t spam you. Your votes are all confidential unless you check that little opt-in box and then you may receive some awesome emails from us after this promotion ends.

More small details: You were welcome to enter votes for multiple communities as we know we all have favorites in other places but you can just vote once per day. Now that you have the voting thing down, don’t forget to vote in this year’s November election.

Next time you order that venti, half-skinny, half-1 percent, extra-hot cappuccino (with whip), perhaps the least complicated part will be how you pay.

Starting today, Seattle-based Starbucks has launched mobile payment in all of its company-operated stores in the United States. The technology allows customers to pay for their in-store purchases using a smartphone.

Currently, 20 percent of all Starbucks purchases are paid for using a mobile device, according to the company. The way it works: customers download the Starbucks Card Mobile App and register a Starbucks card (like a gift card). Customers then pay for their mochas (or lattes, or Americanos) by placing a cell phone or wireless device in front of a scanner on the counter, and scan their App's barcode to pay.

Mobile payment "elevates the customer experience by delivering convenience, rewarding loyalty and continuing to build an emotional connection with our customers," said Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Brand Loyalty, in a statement.