Richmond-Steveston MLA and parliamentary secretary for liquor policy reform John Yap announced Friday that jugs of beer will be cheaper than previously announced. But he, and political colleague Attorney General Suzanne Anton, also raised the price of cocktails (spirits) at the same time, according to a news release.
In June the province announced mandatory minimum prices for alcohol sold at pubs and restaurants; an ounce of beer or cider was set at $0.25 while an ounce of liquor was set at $2.
Today, it was announced that a serving of beer or cider of at least 50 oz. would be priced starting at $0.20. That means a typical 60 oz. jug of beer at a pub will go from a minimum of $15 to $12.
Prices for glasses or pints of beer or cider will remain at $0.25 per ounce.
However, the government is also raising the price of spirits at the same time. Ounces of liquor were raised from $2 to $3. That means a typical 1.5 oz. shot of rum, for example, would have cost a minimum of $3. Now, after the flip-flop, it will cost $4.50.
Minimum prices for wine will remain the same at $0.60 per ounce.
Yap said the changes were a result of "listening to the views of British Columbians" following June's announcement of minimum liquor pricing.
"Upon reviewing B.C.’s minimum prices, we realized they weren’t on par with consumers’ expectations and we took action to find a fair compromise that still upholds B.C.’s high standards for health and safety,” said Yap in an online statement.
It's believed by government that minimum prices will discourage rock-bottom flogging of alcohol, which could be a public health concern.
“When we announced B.C.’s minimum prices, along with the introduction of happy hour, we were clear that we’d keep a close eye on how these prices impacted consumers and businesses. Creating a new category for draught beer in servings over 50 oz. is a fair balance for consumers that still takes into account the views of business owners and health and safety advocates,” said Anton, without any mention to the changes in spirit pricing.
The minimum prices followed a review of liquor policies by Yap, aimed at freeing up the $1.1 billion industry from old, bureaucratic laws.
"To date, 17 of the 73 recommendations from the B.C. Liquor Policy Review have been implemented. Government’s goal is to implement 70% of the 73 recommendations by spring 2015," stated the news release.
The review could see grocery stores carry liquor, however, there are impediments in place that make it unlikely to be a widespread occurrence.
At least two pubs in Richmond voiced their displeasure over the minimum pricing scheme.
