The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' union, which represents workers at provincial liquor stores, has launched an advertising campaign warning of privatization of those stores.
The union's campaign has been prompted by the two specialty wine stores the province has announced, which will be privately owned.
These stores will sell products not currently offered in Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) stores.
In its ads, the union says privatization of stores would mean a rise in crime and easier access to alcohol for underage youth. The ads also highlight the $173 million in profit made by provincial stores last year that was passed along to the government to fund health, education and social programs.
Union President Bob Bymoen also wondered if the fact the wine stores will offer different products from provincial stores represents a "wedge" that would give the private stores "first dibs."
It's hard to imagine exactly how more private liquor stores would contribute to a rise in crime or easier access to alcohol for underage youth.
It stands to reason the new private stores will face the same rigorous standards of the law the provincial stores do. Cigarettes and lottery tickets, after all, are currently sold by private retailers, which are required to ask for ID in such purchases.
Bymoen's speculation about the reason behind having different stocks at different stores certainly has merit, though.
In answer to Bymoen's speculation, SLGA Minister Dan D'Autremont says the wine stores will carry the exclusive stock precisely to avoid having them compete with provincial liquor stores.
For wine afficionados in Saskatchewan, or anyone who just enjoys a glass of wine with dinner now and again, the new, better variety of wines is likely a welcome development.
But the question remains: Why can't Saskatchewan consumers get these wines at provincial stores now?
New wine stores raise questions
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Published on
February 25, 2009
- Published on July 10, 2009
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Staff ~ The Moose Jaw Times Herald
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Comments
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- Gary
- - September 18, 2009 at 13:58:09 - The Moose Jaw Times Herald
And what is wrong with privatization? Competative stores with bargains and advertised specials, employment for more people as there would be lots of small business opening up. Variety and convenience. trickledown effect creating more jobs for advertisers, deliveries, etc.
The problem I see would be the gov't can't control prices and hidden tax increase on liquor, the SGEU would lose thousands if not millions of dollars annually that I'm sure fill up only a small amount of pockets.. If there is a commitment to millions of dollars aiding Saskatchewn programs, why are we only hearing about it now? Where or how can we get the books that show this funding? And on the note of underage drinkers, they will get alcohol if they want it and it will not matter how many restrictions are put out there, Gov't controled or privatized. I thought we want to build a strong Saskatchewan, not a comunistic Saskatchewan. -
- SH
- - September 18, 2009 at 12:45:04 - The Moose Jaw Times Herald
I have no problem with it. In fact I have a friend who has to get her favorite wine from Alberta because it is not available anywhere in this province. They won't even bring it in for you if you are willing to buy a few cases. I believe these would be exclusive stores carrying higher end wines which I am sure won't be luring many underage drinkers to buy a bottle of $20+ wine. A beer store would be nice too as there is life beyond Molson, Labatts, and Coors.
