A worker was seen taking bottles of American wine off the shelves at an SAQ liquor store in Montreal on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Quebec liquor board faces a difficult choice that could see $300,000 worth of American alcohol destroyed. This comes after the provincial government, on March 4, ordered the state-owned liquor corporation to pull U.S. products from shelves. The move was in direct response to tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Alcohol sits in storage
Since the boycott, the liquor board stored all American alcohol purchased before the ban. Many of these products cannot last much longer. Items most at risk include rosé wines, boxed wines, premixed cocktails, flavoured beers, and certain liqueurs. These drinks don’t have the long shelf life needed for extended storage.
Products may soon expire
If the government doesn’t update its rules, the board says it will have no choice but to destroy the alcohol before it expires. Liquor board spokesperson Laurianne Tardif explained the situation in a statement. “The scenario surrounding these products has not yet been finalized and the operation is still ongoing,” she said.
Tardif added that several factors will affect the outcome, such as the length of the boycott, the number of items involved, and how the government decides to handle the issue.
Small fraction of total stock
The alcohol at risk represents only a small portion of the total stock. About $27 million worth of American products remain in storage across Quebec. That means the $300,000 figure is minor compared to the full amount.
Liquor board president weighs in
In June, liquor board president and CEO Jacques Farcy reassured that most products remained fine. “These are not fresh or perishable products,” he explained. “So these products retain their value. If things drag on, there may be further discussions.”
Farcy also said the Quebec government will decide when the liquor board can start selling U.S. alcohol again.
Other provinces react differently
The alcohol ban did not stop at Quebec. Earlier this year, Ontario and Alberta also blocked new purchases of American alcohol. British Columbia went further, banning liquor imports from so-called “red states” that voted for Trump in the 2024 election.
But not all provinces have kept the restrictions. Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have since backed down. They now allow American alcohol to return to shelves.
What’s next for Quebec
The Quebec liquor board continues to wait for direction from the provincial government. For now, the alcohol remains in storage, but time is running short for products with limited shelf life. Unless rules change, tens of thousands of bottles may end up destroyed.
