Federal Government - Bill C-311

Published on February 7, 2012

This is a Private Members Bill proposing that Wineries be allowed to sell directly to consumers.  So far it has received support from all political parties in Parliament.

ALSA is concerned about the negative impact the passage of this Bill would have on Alberta liquor retailers:

• Provincial Liquor revenue would be negatively impacted by Bill-C311.  The Province would need to make up for this loss revenue by possibly increasing taxes on all liquor products, impacting the bottom line for liquor store owners. Retail stores would also see a loss of revenue from Bill C-311 and increase taxes would compound the negative effect on their revenue.
• Bill C-311 does not address possible trade issues –Federal trade laws, regulations and requirements related to provincial sales would be affected for domestic products over imported products. 
• Bill C-311 would provide precedent  for other liquor products such as beer and spirits (vodka, rum, etc) to follow in the same path – A wider look at the Act would be necessary to provide a level playing field to all liquor products, not a piece meal solution
• Bill C-311 would by-pass Provincial regulation, making the market vulnerable to abuse and underage drinking without any means of monitoring

ALSA believes it is premature to make changes to the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act until further research and consultation with Provincial Governments and Industry takes place.

ALSA has written to all Members of Parliament from Alberta on this issue