Saskatchewan Liquor Stores and Restaurants React to Provincial Ban on U.S. Alcohol Purchases
The province of Saskatchewan has announced that it will no longer purchase American alcohol, prompting liquor stores and restaurants to reassess their inventories and menus. Retailers have noted a mixed reaction from customers, with some eager to stock up on their favorite American brands before they disappear, while others are actively seeking out Canadian alternatives. The decision comes amid rising trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe stating that the province will avoid purchasing U.S. goods in response to American tariffs on Canadian products.
Liquor Retailers Weigh In on the Shift to Canadian Products
Liquor store owners in Saskatchewan report varying customer reactions to the provincial ban on U.S. alcohol purchases. Branelle Zenuk, owner of the Melfort Liquor Loft, mentioned that while some customers are rushing to buy their favorite American brands, such as bourbon, others are enthusiastically embracing Canadian products. Zenuk emphasized that her store will continue to sell its existing inventory of American alcohol, as it was purchased and paid for before the tariffs were imposed. Similarly, Robin Baerg of Fox Liquor Cellars in Saskatoon noted that some customers are panic-buying, but most are showing a preference for Canadian products. Baerg stated that his store will sell off its remaining U.S. inventory without restocking.
Saskatchewan’s Decision Reflects Broader Trade Tensions
Premier Scott Moe’s announcement to stop purchasing American alcohol followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and a 10% levy on Canadian energy.Trump later indicated that he would pause tariffs on some Canadian imports complying with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement and reduce tariffs on potash to 10%. Moe’s move is part of a broader effort by the province to reduce reliance on U.S. goods, with liquor retailers no longer able to purchase American alcohol but permitted to sell existing stock. This decision aligns with a growing sentiment among Canadian businesses and consumers to prioritize local and domestic products in response to U.S. trade policies.
Restaurants and Hospitality Industry Adapt to the New Reality
The hospitality industry in Saskatchewan is also feeling the effects of the provincial ban on U.S. alcohol. Jim Bence, CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan, noted that liquor vendors have been supportive of the decision and are making conscious choices to buy Canadian. Bence emphasized that restaurant owners are prepared to adapt to higher costs if tariffs persist, while also catering to customer preferences. Anna Gardikiotis, owner of the Copper Kettle restaurant in Regina, plans to remove an American wine from her menu and use up opened bottles of U.S. alcohol. She also expressed frustration with interprovincial trade barriers, which she believes limit access to Canadian products from other provinces. Gardikiotis is hopeful that recent commitments by Canada’s premiers and the federal government to reduce these barriers will make it easier for businesses like hers to source local products.
Canadian Premiers and Federal Government Address Trade Barriers
In response to trade challenges, Canadian premiers and the federal government have agreed to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, particularly for alcohol. Most premiers have committed to improving the trade of alcohol between jurisdictions, a move that could provide more opportunities for businesses to source Canadian products. Saskatchewan has announced that it is reviewing remaining exceptions and encouraging other provinces to do the same. This effort to streamline trade within Canada is seen as a step toward fostering greater economic collaboration and reducing reliance on imported goods, especially in light of ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
Conclusion: A Shift Toward Canadian Products and Economic Resilience
The decision by Saskatchewan to stop purchasing U.S. alcohol reflects a broader shift in Canada toward prioritizing domestic products and reducing reliance on international trade partners amid rising tensions. Liquor retailers and restaurants are adapting to the new reality, with many customers actively seeking out Canadian alternatives. While some businesses are navigating the challenges of selling off existing U.S. inventory, others see this as an opportunity to strengthen local supply chains and support Canadian producers. As trade relations between Canada and the U.S. continue to evolve, businesses and consumers alike are being called upon to make conscious choices about where they shop and what they buy.
