Pause on U.S. alcohol imports could hurt B.C. businesses: liquor licensees [Video]

If B.C. halts the import of U.S. alcohol in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods it would hurt businesses on both sides of the border, an advocate says.

Jeff Guignard with the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) said that while it is feasible for B.C. to pause U.S. alcohol sales, it would have a huge effect.

“Every year, British Columbia brings in about $400 million of liquor products [from] the United States,” he said.

“So not only would producers in the U.S. have to replace that, which is, I think, why our premier musing about this would hit Americans where it hurts, but all the businesses here in B.C. that rely on those products for the customers, we would be injured as well.

“So I don’t know why anyone thinks it’s the right time to pick a trade war with your best friend and neighbour.”

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