Alberta Liquor
Privatization
When Alberta became
the first Canadian jurisdiction to privatize liquor retailing,
warehousing and distribution in 1993, it was considered a
bold step. Now, Albertans view it as simply another commercial
enterprise operating successfully in the province.
In fact, private
liquor retailing has been remarkably well received by consumers
and everyone involved in the liquor industry and continues
to meet the original objectives set out by the government.
The Alberta experience
demonstrates that liquor retailing can be responsibly and
well managed by the private sector, with government continuing
to carry out its regulatory responsibilities and collecting
revenue from liquor sales for use in public programs.
Privatization has
helped the liquor industry, benefiting both retailers and
consumers. More locations and greater product selection are
some of the results.
BEFORE Privatization
(prior to Sept. 2, 1993)
Number of retail
outlets – 304
- 202 Alberta Liquor Control Board retail stores
- 30 retails beer stores
- 23 wine stores
- 49 agency stores
Number of products
– 3,325
Employment –
1,300 full and part-time jobs
Liquor prices –
"postage stamp" prices across the province in government-run
stores
Liquor sales:
|
By Volume |
Sales |
Spirits |
172,000 hectolitres |
$413,761,000 |
Wine |
162,300 hectolitres |
$135,102,000 |
Coolers/cider |
34,600 hectolitres |
$15,040,000 |
Beer |
1,824,000 hectolitres |
$481,745,000 |
AFTER Privatization
(as of October 2006)
Number of retail
outlets – 1,135
- 1,045 private retail liquor stores
- 90 general merchandise liquor stores (rural locations)
Number of products
available – 13,650
Employment –
4,000 full and part-time jobs
Liquor sales:
|
By Volume |
2004/05 Actual |
Spirits |
223,546 hectolitres |
$524,937,000 |
Wine |
260,400 hectolitres |
$297,263,000 |
Coolers/cider |
133,886 hectolitres |
$58,655,000 |
Beer |
2,447,587 hectolitres |
$774,739,000 |
For more information
on the privatization of Alberta’s retail liquor industry,
take a look at:
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