B.C. premier’s suggested ban on American alcohol draws mixed reactions [Video]

B.C. Premier David Eby’s recent suggestion of potentially halting the import of American alcohol into the province has drawn mixed reactions from industry experts and the hospitality sector.

The move, floated earlier this week, comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports as early as Feb. 1.

The British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), the province’s monopoly liquor buyer, imports alcohol from the United States and supplies it to B.C.’s restaurants, bars, pubs, private liquor stores and government outlets.

“Our decision not to purchase American alcohol would definitely send a message,” Eby said at a Jan. 21 news conference. “It is one of the things that could be on the table to respond to these tariffs.”

WATCH | Hospitality industry leader says ban on U.S. alcohol would hit them hard: Premier David Eby has suggested the province might stop purchasing alcohol …