This column originally ran in the Winnipeg Free Press on Aug. 12, 2015
At its core, this issue is simple: Manitobans don’t need the government’s help to buy or sell a beer.
Manitoba Liberal leader Rana Bokhari is talking about something nobody else in the political arena will raise: reforming liquor regulations. She’s going to study the issue and unveil her policy prior to the next election. In the meantime, the Liberals aren’t taking anything off the table, including full privatization.
The NDP government is pushing back. The NDP has been tinkering with a few small changes, such as putting the odd Liquor Mart Express in a grocery store, but they’re not interested in any ambitious changes. What’s the reason for the inflexibility? The NDP is worried the government won’t make enough money on booze if it’s privatized.
People worry about all kinds of irrational things, but is anyone seriously worried the government won’t find a way to collect enough taxes on alcohol? Collecting taxes may be the only thing every government in this history of the world has been able to do proficiently. Anyone who thinks they’ll ever be able to buy a drink without getting taxed may have already been drinking too much.
To be fair, at least the NDP has something to say on the topic, even though what they’re saying is silly. The Progressive Conservatives aren’t saying anything. Perhaps they should do some polling to confirm that Manitobans do indeed enjoy a cold one on occasion.
Compared to Manitoba’s heavy tax burden, growing deficit and crushing debt, liquor regulations may seem like a small thing. But there is a greater principle at stake. The government shouldn’t be in the business of telling Manitobans how to buy or sell booze.
Government needs to focus on its own legitimate role. It should regulate liquor and those who consistently break the rules, such as selling alcohol to kids, should be fined into bankruptcy. And it’s almost inevitable that the government will apply taxes regardless of the regulatory regime. But that’s where government involvement should end.
Manitobans deserve real choices when they pick up a bottle. That choice can only come with open competition. People will vote with their wallets to decide what combination of price, selection and service they want. Maybe people will willingly pay more for the opportunity to try craft beers or shop at odd hours, but that needs to be up to them rather than some faceless government official.
Just as importantly, Manitobans deserve to make the most of opportunities to sell liquor. There are lobbyists and union bosses to represent every player already in the game. But nobody hears from those who are excluded. Think about the rural convenience store that might be able to stay open if it could sell the occasional six-pack. The government is in the way and needs to move.
Manitobans are way ahead of the politicians on liquor laws. Everyone has been to private stores in Saskatchewan, Alberta or the U.S. We all know that private liquor retailing works. In fact, the new NDP government in Alberta is changing everything from income taxes to royalty rates, but it’s not even hinting at nationalizing private liquor stores. If Alberta Premier Rachel Notley is preserving private liquor retailing surely it’s worth discussing here.
When it comes to booze, Manitoban’s are ready and able to make their own choices. There’s no reason for this province to continue to lag behind. It’s good to see that Ms Bokhari has the courage to at least talk about letting Manitoba buy or sell a beer without asking for the government’s permission.
Todd MacKay is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
