Private liquor interest begin new push to close public stores

An op ed in the Sept. 24 Vancouver Sun could be a sign that private liquor store interests are renewing efforts to get the Campbell government to close all public liquor stores in B.C.

See below to read the response from BCGEU president Darryl Walker who says that rolling back the subsidies paid to private stores would inject $60 million into B.C.'s budget and provide funding for a range of programs and public services.

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If lobbyist Mark Hicken ("Government should get out of the liquor business," Vancouver Sun, Sept. 24) is so concerned about budget cuts in important public services then he should be arguing for a rollback in the lavish subsidies Victoria gives private liquor stores.

Each year, the Campbell government provides $160 million in handouts to private stores through discounts on the purchase price of stock. And those subsidy rates have escalated significantly in the past few years.

One solution that would provide immediate relief for the government's budget challenges would be to roll back subsidies to the 2002 level when the Liberals opened the floodgates for private liquor interests to set up shop.

That would add $60 million to fund grants for school sports programs, environmental initiatives, and mental health services, and priorities like health and education.

If Hicken were really concerned about promoting an efficient retail system, then he would join us in calling for an expansion-not the elimination-of public stores. That's because public stores have the lowest prices-up to 35 per cent less-lower, and the best product selection. And they pay staff decent wages to support families and build strong local economies.

Clearly in challenging economic times, public stores offers the best value for consumers and tax payers alike.

Yours,

Darryl Walker
President
B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union