It’s costing more for Manitobans to take home a case of beer this weekend.
At midnight, the average 12-case went up $2, to $23.75. The increase applies to any brewer who produces more than 75,000 hectoliters of beer worldwide.
That means micro-breweries such as Winnipeg-based “Half Pints” are unaffected by the increase. The local company expects sales to increase now that some of its cases are cheaper than most big brand beers. For example, a 12-case of St. James flavor retails for $23.00. Half Pints hopes more Manitobans will be swayed into sampling local suds.
“Perhaps we were too expensive before but now we’re pretty close in line with the other beers on the market.” Said Nicole Barry, Half Pints CEO.
The price hike is the third increase in Manitoba within the last nine years and first since 2010. It’s another financial gulp some are having a hard time getting down.
“I only have so much money to spend on booze,” said a Winnipeg beer-drinker outside Norwood Beer Vendor.
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“I’ve been buying less booze every year.”
Global News conducted a cross province comparison using a beer available in most regions: A 12-case of Molson Canadian bottles which, as of Friday, costs $23.75 in Manitoba.
In Ontario, that product costs $21.25, according to the LCBO.
In Alberta, where liquor is privatized, the average price for this product is $23.70.
In Saskatchewan, it retails at $23.99.
But the more you purchase, the more the tax increase is evident. Using a 24-case of Budweiser brand 355ml cans, for example, there’s less parity between prices.
In Ontario, 24 Budweiser cans cost $40.95. In Alberta, it’s roughly $45.00. In Saskatchewan, the cost is $45.99. In Manitoba, the same product now retails for $47.70.
The Manitoba Government attributes the price hike to:
• 80 cents for MLCC surcharge
• 85 cents for the supplier increase
• 22 cents for PST & GST
• the remainder is comprised of fees paid to licensees and bottle deposits.
“It’s not something we like to do but it is something that unfortunately comes with the territory,” said Susan Harrison, Senior Communications Coordinator with the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission.
“They’re nickel and diming Manitobans to death. Tax increases, fee increases, you name it. That’s what they’re doing to pay for their spending addiction,” said Heather Stefanson, PC Acting Deputy Critic for MLCC.
The consensus from beer drinkers is that they’re not happy but it’s not going to stop them from buying brew.
“There’s nothing we can do about it and people will buy their beer.”
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