The start of September is bringing with an increased cost of buying anything in North Carolina.

Effective today, the state sales tax rose 1-percent to 7.75-percent.

The tax on alcohol also rose an average of 5 cents per six-pack of beer or liter of wine, and 5-percent on liquor.

Full breakdown of the sales tax increase

But, despite the increased costs, two area business owners say they don't expect it to hurt their sales.

Greg Hatem, owner of Raleigh Times on Fayetteville Street, told us he understands why the state increased the sales tax.

He added, he doesn't think the few extra cents will hurt customers.

The owner of Boylan Bridge Brewpub had a similar reaction, saying while the added tax will be passed on to consumers, he doesn't expect it to affect their brews.

"Some how or another the state has to raise some money," Raleigh Times Owner, Greg Hatem, said. "We need to do it."

At The Raleigh Times restaurant in downtown, customers are helping the state dig its way out of a big budget shortfall.

"It's difficult times right now," Hatem said. "I think everyone is trying to figure out how to bridge the gaps that we have."

Tuesday, the state's one-cent sales tax hike officially went into effect, forcing many business owners like Hatem to pass the increase on to customers.

Even though The Times has had trouble with the economy, Hatem says he is glad to help the state endure the rough economy.

"Our business is really struggling in some areas and we're all trying to get through this together," Hatem said. "If this helps we are understanding."

Up the street at the Boylan Bridge Brewpub, owner Andrew Leager shared the same attitude.

"It seems like a red herring to me," he said. "I want the services and if we can get the services by paying the taxes then that's what I want to have happen."

Here at the corner of Hargett and Boylan, they brew their own beer and aren't subject to some of the sin taxes that are going up.

Back at Raleigh Times, alcohol drinking customers are kind of being hit twice, with a rise in both the sales tax and taxes on alcohol.

Still, Hatem said the increases are for the greater good.

"It's a tough time and we've got to be able to get through it," he said. "I think, from what i've been able to see, our legislators have been really responsible about where they are spending the money."