mhicken September 18th, 2008

There was an excellent article in the Globe & Mail (September 17, 2008) discussing Canada’s antiquated shipping law restrictions on wine between provinces. The article was by the Globe’s wine columnist, Beppi Crosariol. I was quoted in the article (along with others). See my companion site, winelaw.ca, for more details and updates on the shipping issue.

Tags: bc, canada, laws, manitoba, ontario, shipping, wine

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mhicken September 10th, 2008

The liquor boards in both Ontario and Manitoba have issued threats against two BC wineries (Red Rooster and Mission Hill) for direct shipping to customers in those provinces (see story from Vancouver Sun). They have also contacted the BC Liquor Control and Licensing Board who is now warning wineries that it is illegal to make these shipments. The legal explanation for all of this is in an earlier article on shipping for the industry which is on my companion site, winelaw.ca.

The real reason for these threats is, of course, lost revenue. Direct shipments to wineries in other provinces bypass the relevant liquor boards and their regime of markups/fees/taxes. However, Manitoba and Ontario do not have a monopoly on this type of behaviour. BC’s rules with respect to wine coming into this province are exactly the same (see s.65 of the BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act).

Isn’t it time for Canada’s liquor boards to reform this system? BC’s wine industry is receiving increasing international recognition and is now establishing itself for export markets. Many parts of BC (and particularly Vancouver and the Okanagan) are becoming global food and wine destinations. 2010 is just around the corner. A prohibition era system of liquor distribution is simply not appropriate for Canada in the 21st century … particularly, as we try to encourage and expand this increasingly successful wine and hospitality industry.

Update (2008-09-16): I have spent the last few days in the Okanagan and have discussed and analyzed this issue in depth with a number of wineries. Please contact me directly for information on possible solutions.

Tags: bc, laws, manitoba, marketing, ontario, shipping, wine

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