The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) has taken note of the Spirits Canada press release – for more information: https://www.federvini.it/news-cat/5943-la-politica-di-no-price-discrimination-del-lcbo-impatti-e-problemi-per-i-fornitori-di- wines-and-spiritual-drinks – concerning the prices of certain products in Ontario. However, it believes the statements in the release are inaccurate and highly misleading to consumers.
In March 2024, LCBO published a statement about how it is working with a small number of suppliers to recover sums owed due to failure to comply with the Terms and Conditions of Purchase Orders. These terms and conditions exist to protect consumers and ensure a competitive marketplace.
Ontario consumers are paying more than other jurisdictions for some brands of alcoholic beverages: up to $40 more for some select products. According to the LCBO, Ontarians should not be disadvantaged compared to suppliers who sell alcoholic beverages to other provinces at lower prices. It is therefore not a “retroactive tax”, nor fines or penalties, but rather price charges in accordance with the terms of contracts that have been in place for some time.
With LCBO being the largest buyer of alcoholic beverages in Canada and one of the largest in the world, measures are taken to ensure we offer the most competitive prices possible for customers. The LCBO markup structure is transparent and public. More information can be found here: How the Pricing of Beverage Alcohol Works at LCBO.
Source: LCBO response to pricing claims made by Spirits Canada
