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B.C. liquor changes long overdue but provincial revenues must be protected

"These changes will offer increased convenience for shoppers and make the public stores even more competitive. With almost 200 outlets, larger stores, greater selection and knowledgeable staff, public liquor stores can compete with private stores.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President.

Vancouver (24 Nov. 2014) — The B.C.Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) is applauding the provincial government’s decision to modernize public liquor stores. The announcement will allow, as of April 2015, public liquor stores to open on Sundays, extend shopping hours and offer refrigerated products. 

B.C. government finally acts on recommendation BCGEU/NUPGE has been making for years

“These are important changes that we have been recommending for many years and are long overdue,” says BCGEU President Stephanie Smith. “These changes will offer increased convenience for shoppers and make the public stores even more competitive. With almost 200 outlets, larger stores, greater selection and knowledgeable staff, public liquor stores can compete with private stores.”

The government also announced today a move to a single wholesale price for all liquor retailers effective April 1, 2015. “The move to a single wholesale price will only be in the public interest if it protects and expands over time provincial revenue,” say Smith. “We'll be watching closely to see if the change to the wholesale pricing model will negatively affect provincial revenues.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE