Another reason you don't want to vote NDP.......http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090501/BC_beer_price_NDP_090501/20090501/?hub=BritishColumbiaHomeNDP election promises could add as much as $3 to the cost of a six-pack of beer, say independent liquor stores. May 1st, 2009.
NDP promises could add $3 to cost of B.C. beer
British Columbia's independent liquor stores say the NDP's election promises could lead to higher beer prices in the province, potentially pushing the price of a six-pack up by $3 a case.
The warning comes from The Alliance of Beverage Licensees (Able BC) which speaks for 676 independent liquor stores in B.C.
Able BC is concerned because the NDP is promising to reduce the discount that independent liquor stores receive when they purchase alcohol from the government to 10 per cent from 16 per cent below the retail price.
This 37.5 per cent reduction in our discount, when added to the other cost increases in the NDP platform -- including a hike in the minimum wage -- would put many of our members out of business, Able B.C. warns.
Able BC Executive Director Kim Haakstad said those cost pressures would prompt liquor stores to either layoff staff or push higher costs onto the consumer.
She estimates that the price of a six-pack of beer could jump to $15 from $12.
"These are small family-owned businesses operating in every community across the province,'' she said.
Haakstad said hotels in many parts of rural B.C. use their liquor stores as a way to subsidize the cost of their operations. Some hotels have over 100 people on the payroll. "These are jobs that B.C. can't afford to lose,'' she said.
Now this is serious stuff!!