NDP Beer Tax Will Increase Consumer Costs and Threaten Jobs
The NDP’s new tax on beer, wine and spirits is yet another sign that the NDP is putting their high-tax policies and anti-private sector ideology before jobs and fairness for consumers, said Minister Rich Coleman today.
“Adding to the price of beer makes no economic sense. It increases the costs for the small, family businesses that sell liquor in B.C., and it hurts the average person who wants to enjoy a pint after work,” said Coleman. “As British Columbians kick back with their friends and family and enjoy the Canucks’ playoff run and the arrival of summer, the last thing they need to hear is that the NDP will jack up the price of beer and wine. The NDP are totally out-of-touch with the average person.”
Carole James confirmed yesterday that the NDP will increase costs for private liquor retailers by $155 million over the next three years. Retailers estimate these additional costs would mean a 25 per cent increase in the price of beer, wine and spirits for consumers. For example, under the NDP plan, consumers will pay $3 more for an average six-pack of beer.
“Whether you like wine, spirits, or beer, Carole James wants to take more money out of your pocket to pay for her flawed and short-sighted election promises,” said Coleman. “As BC Liberals, we have a fundamentally different philosophy than Carole James: we believe in leaving more of your money in your pocket, where it belongs. And we believe in encouraging and promoting the small businesses who are the backbone of our economy.”
The Alliance of Beverage Licensees, which represents 676 independent liquor stores in B.C., has confirmed that the NDP tax would put many of these stores “out of business” reducing choice for consumers and damaging B.C.’s economy.
“These independent liquor retailers in B.C. employ thousands of British Columbians,” explained Coleman. “These are primarily family-run businesses that the NDP want to tax out of existence. Carole James has given small retailers three options: pass costs on to consumers, lay off employees or simply go out of business.”
A BC Liberal government will maintain the current discount rate for independent liquor stores and will not impose any new taxes on beer, wine or spirits.
Click here to see some of the private liquor retailers Carole James and the NDP want to shut down
