Shop public this holiday season for the best liquor and wine value

BCGEU ad campaign highlights value of public liquor stores

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

During 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 B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union 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 in recent surveys - 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.

"In challenging economic times, public liquor stores clearly 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. 

Click here to hear the radio spot.

Consumer surveys conducted by BCGEU and the Consumers' Association of Canada during the last several years show that popular liquor, wine and beer products cost up to 35 per cent more at private liquor outlets compared to public stores, despite receiving a 16 per cent discount on liquor products from the provincial government.

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For more information, contact Chris Bradshaw, BCGEU communications 604-291-9611