 You're Paying too much for Booze Ontario consumers get soaked by the LCBO due to the provincial booze monopoly’s unusual method of setting prices, says Auditor General Jim McCarter.Commentsview comments in forum You need to be a member of CKA and be logged into the site, to comment on news. |
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We went the whole privatization route here in Alberta and I really don't think it made a noticeable difference in prices. I do however notice that I now have a bit less selection to choose from since private outlets won't stock odd brands that aren't big sellers. The only real positive is that there are more liquor stores so you don't have to drive as far to get your booze.
The story does state that Ontario still has the lowest prices compared to other provinces so I would imagine that they included privatized provinces in their comparison. Ontario changing their purchasing policies would probably only amount to pennies on a dollar savings for consumers.
Where Canadians get hosed is on the Federal excise taxes or "sin" taxes and those are way beyond the reach of any one province to control.
We went the whole privatization route here in Alberta and I really don't think it made a noticeable difference in prices. I do however notice that I now have a bit less selection to choose from since private outlets won't stock odd brands that aren't big sellers. The only real positive is that there are more liquor stores so you don't have to drive as far to get your booze.
Um..selection is up...way up.
Products available under ALCB (Jan.5, 1993): 2,200.
Products available currently (Sept. 2011): 15,895.
We went the whole privatization route here in Alberta and I really don't think it made a noticeable difference in prices. I do however notice that I now have a bit less selection to choose from since private outlets won't stock odd brands that aren't big sellers. The only real positive is that there are more liquor stores so you don't have to drive as far to get your booze.
Don't forget the wonderful hours the ALCB stores kept - it was like the banks used to operate - open Monday-Friday from 10-4 and closed from 11-1 for lunch!
Okay, it wasn't really that bad, but it was basically 9-5 with a few hours on Saturdays (and nothing on Sundays or holidays). And remember the huge lines before a holiday?
Privatization let people open up almost whatever hours they wanted.
We went the whole privatization route here in Alberta and I really don't think it made a noticeable difference in prices. I do however notice that I now have a bit less selection to choose from since private outlets won't stock odd brands that aren't big sellers. The only real positive is that there are more liquor stores so you don't have to drive as far to get your booze.
Don't forget the wonderful hours the ALCB stores kept - it was like the banks used to operate - open Monday-Friday from 10-4 and closed from 11-1 for lunch!
Okay, it wasn't really that bad, but it was basically 9-5 with a few hours on Saturdays (and nothing on Sundays or holidays). And remember the huge lines before a holiday?
Privatization let people open up almost whatever hours they wanted.
Ahh, very true. It's been so long I kind of forgot about that. Now that you mention it I also remember the long ass lines on long weekends and holidays.
I'll recant the selection comment too. I was referring to the local mom and pop store on the corner but now that I think about it there are a lot new (since privatization) specialty stores that have opened such as in Willow Park. They specialize in wines and they have a pretty darn impressive selection to boot.
But still, on pricing I dont think I noticed any type of earth shattering change after privatization, did you Boots?
I remember that DerbyX once posted a study that confirmed that prices are essentially the same - but I have neither the time nor interest to go find it.
It would be so convenient to privatize them all and have better hours. Then the fucking pisstanks won't have to call the bootlegger and shell out $40 for a dozen beer cuz they're too fucked to stop. HAVE TO have more. HAVE TO. I know Gramma's fucking hiding booze in her closet, let's wake her up at 3:00 am tear her house to shreds we're outa booze....
Here in Quebec, beer can be sold in the groceries and convenience stores. Prices are really affordable. In fact, probably the better prices in the entire country. There is a major difference at least compared to the Ontario Beer Store.
And wine and liquor is sold in the SAQ (Govt-owned). IMO, the products are overpriced. The cashiers are overpaid and their union has the arrogance to go on strike. They don't stock some major brands, some that can often be found elsewhere in Canada. But these monopolies are too profitable for the Govt to even have them consider privatisation.
Here's a more detailed study.
Fraser Institute Alert!!!