SHOP PUBLIC this 2009 holiday season--BCGEU ad campaign

When it comes to buying beer, wine and sprits, where you shop does matter.

And this holiday season, the women and men who work at B.C.'s government liquor stores are urging British Columbians to shop at public stores for the lowest prices and best product selection.

"We're running a modest radio advertising campaign in a number of communities to remind consumers that where they shop matters," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker, whose union represents 2,500 employees of the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch.

In addition to lower prices-up to 35 per cent less-and larger selection, Walker says that shopping at public stores creates more revenue that flows back to government to pay for health, education and other important public services.

"Clearly in challenging economic times, public liquor stores offer the best value for consumers," Walker says.

"Shop Public" is the pitch in the radio advertising campaign that runs from Dec. 14 to 23 in major B.C. markets. The ads also encourage British Columbians to drink responsibly.

Consumer surveys conducted by BCGEU and the Consumers' Association of Canada during the last several years show that prices on popular liquor, wine and beer products are as much as 35 per cent more at private liquor outlets.

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