Commission reviewing government programs suggests Quebec end liquor monopoly

QUEBEC CITY – A commission reviewing provincial programs is recommending Quebec liberalize its liquor monopoly.

The commission’s final report released Monday said Quebec should maintain its government-run liquor stores, but also make room for private sales, which would be subject to a special liquor tax.

Former federal and provincial Liberal cabinet minister Lucienne Robillard is heading the commission, which concluded Quebec spends too much money managing its liquor monopoly due to the fact 21 per cent of net sales get eaten by administrative costs.

Quebec’s alcohol laws are strict, and while citizens can buy beer and some wine at privately run corner stores, hard liquor is only sold at government-operated locations.

The report stated the $1 billion profit generated last fiscal year by government liquor sales was likely a peak and would diminish in subsequent years.

The commission also said Quebec would save roughly $392 million if it transferred its tax-collecting powers to Ottawa, but the report also warned the province would lose about $700 million if it gave up its ability to go after tax cheats.