The recent developments in the Trump Vs Canada trade war has highlighted the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), which is a Canadian state-owned "Crown Corporation" that bars and restaurants (and I think Grocery stores) in Ontario are legally required to purchase their alcohol from.

While the spotlight has been on their impact on the sale of beverages like Jack Daniels, I was wondering if Wales should consider setting up something similar?

Having a wholesale company run at arms-length from the Welsh Government would allow the Government to generate revenue, and support the hospitality sector by offering a more level playing field in terms of purchasing alcohol.

Would it be a viable idea for Wales, or am I thinking to idealistically?

by Syric_Dodgam

9 comments

  1. I could see upsides, but actually setting it up in the 21st century would be an absolute ball ache and people would fight it every step of the way.

  2. I can’t see how it would be viable and I don’t think it would be popular. The industry is too mature here, many bars and restaurants are linked to breweries here and it just seems like more bureaucracy.

    However if they do legalise Marijuana then I think this model would fit nicely for that.

  3. Absolutely not.

    As someone who frequents a fair few whisky related subs, all I ever see is people complaining about the limited selection and high prices available in areas which have models such as this.

    It’s anti-consumer, pro-monopoly and takes choice and power away from consumers and gives it to the state.

    Please don’t give Welsh Government ideas.

  4. Given the Welsh Government has introduced minimum unit alcohol pricing, I can’t see them going along with this

  5. Canadian resident here. Don’t even suggest it. You will be at the mercy of whatever THEY decide to buy/stock. I used to buy Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcone Ale every year for the Christmas holidays. I would buy a couple of cases every year. Someone within the LCBO decided to discontinue it. If I want to get it, I have to drive 600km to either the US or province if Quebec to purchase it. I cannot even order anything online and have it shipped to me because the LCBO will not allow it into the province. Everything is controlled. I would welcome a more open system.

  6. Fucking hope not because they’d put a killjoy like Drakeford in charge and it’ll be easier and cheaper to get weed, coke or heroin.

  7. How on earth do you conclude anything about your idea is “idealistic”. Whose ideal version would this be?

    I’ve been to Canada often enough to see the huge downside of this. You can only buy alcohol from certain places, at set times of day. You can’t buy take-home drink on a Sunday, plus the prices are high and the choice is abysmal.

    Avoid.

    Socialism does not work!

  8. We should absolutely boycott the USA but as individuals not under government control, it’s supposed to a free country with personal choice and accountability, preventing people from buying what they want isn’t how to proceed.

  9. Seems to me like another tax. Setting up a monopoly for liquor supply that generates revenue for the government doesn’t seem to translate into cheaper prices or better margins for the hospitality industry. Which is already on its knees.

    No thanks.

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