McFadyen Says "Yes" to More Private Wine Stores
Mar 12, 2007
This past weekend Manitoba Progressive Conservative leader Hugh McFadyen indicated to a Winnipeg Sun reporter that, if elected, he would “expand the private market for specialty wine stores”.
Despite the fact that almost $200 million in liquor profits went back into Provincial coffers last year, the PC leader believes more private wine stores are the way to go.
The MGEU, the union representing the employees at the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), has been vocal (most recently in an Op Ed piece in the Winnipeg Free Press, Crown-owned Liquor Stores Provide Valuable Service, December 15, 2006) where private wine stores are concerned.
The fact is, public management in the public interest is more advantageous than private, for-profit when it comes to the sale of alcohol. One of the most compelling arguments in favour of maintaining government control of liquor sales is this: instead of lining the pockets of private owners, that money should be used to reduce our debt, bolster Manitoba’s health and education systems, invest in infrastructure, and fund programs that give kids options to guns, gangs, drugs, and auto theft. Revenues from the sale of alcohol should be used to help fund addictions programs or other health related initiatives like the With Child, Without Alcohol program aimed at pregnant women.
Alcohol is not just any product, it is an intoxicant. It can be dangerous if used improperly. The Province, whose interests are not sales first, safety later like they may be in the private sector, should responsibly regulate the sale of alcohol.
The MGEU has advocated strongly that liquor control systems are better able to protect consumers from alcohol abuse than are profit-driven facilities. MLCC staff has no vested interests in what you buy and have no sales quotas to meet. For these and other reasons, they are less likely to sell alcohol products to minors or intoxicated persons.
And the MLCC has addressed issues of convenience by keeping many stores open later (until 11 pm) while the Province has allowed Sunday hours for people who want to shop for alcoholic beverages at that time.
Manitoba voters will have an opportunity to ask Mr. McFadyen about this issue during the next Provincial election campaign.
Comments
Comments are now closed
Just adding something , you guys says "One of the most compelling arguments in favour of maintaining government control of liquor sales is this: instead of lining the pockets of private owners, that money should be used to reduce our debt, bolster Manitoba’s health and education systems, invest in infrastructure, and fund programs that give kids options to guns, gangs, drugs, and auto theft. " I agree, but the $200 Million in profits does not cover the $500 Million costs. So taxpayers are footing $300 Million per year, or $300 per man women and child. Time to jack booze prices by $300 million per year, then all will be fair. I love cheap beer myself, but drinkers must cover the social costs of drinking.
Jim Cotton - -0001-11-30 00:00
Let's hope Hugh McFadyen isn't given the opportunity to implement his proposal. This would likely result in more or higher taxes on various goods and services to compensate for the revenue shortfall. Liquor taxes used to provide the critical services demanded of all Manitobans would become the profits of a few privileged entrepreneurs.
Mark Gavard - -0001-11-30 00:00
It's funny that booze sales brings in $200 Million into the government coffers, but there is $500 Million in social costs dealing with all the problems, like policing, medical and justice issues. MPI charges motorcycle drivers huge amounts because their claims are expensive. It's time the government raise booze taxes to cover the social costs caused by people drinking. Why should taxpayers be forced to pay for drunks ? Let them pay more for booze to cover the costs. We also have private beer vendors already, why not wine and hard stuff ?
Jim Cotton - -0001-11-30 00:00
Mr. McFadyen wants to put the liquor industry in Manitoba at the same mess level as Alberta. Alberta enjoyed the lowest prices under the public system and now suffers huge out of stocks and uneven pricing in most cases much higher than in Manitoba and most of the public run systems.
Stephen Roznowsky - -0001-11-30 00:00
I echo those comments from Brother Roznowsky.
Kevin Kotyk - -0001-11-30 00:00
McFadyen won’t have my vote. The MLCC offers great low prices and always has everything in stock. Privatizing liquor stores would be a big loss to so many great programs that MLCC sponsors. Private companies wouldn’t have much interest in giving back to the community and are only interested in meeting their quota.
APE - -0001-11-30 00:00