For those who drink responsibility, the opening up of B.C.'s liquor policies can only be a good thing.
From Sunday openings at B.C. government liquor stores to the convenience of B.C. wine availability at grocery stores, buying booze will become more convenient.
But make no mistake, competitive pricing will also be necessary in this new environment. The government has already promised to level the playing field with wholesale pricing so private liquor stores will no longer be at a disadvantage.
It will be up to consumers to determine where they get the most bang for their buck and for the first little while, it's going to take some comparison shopping.
Many fear this switch to a new wholesale pricing system will hike prices of more expensive hooch. Others worry that if the government eliminates tax-in display prices, as it has promised to do to save costs, consumers will end up paying more if the shelf price isn't lowered to accommodate the change.
All this and some worrying secrecy as the government failed to release its prices, last week to the disappointment of many.
Meanwhile, private liquor stores, which already have tax-in pricing, aren't likely to change their system in line with the government liquor stores and so it will be up to consumers to see where they get the most value.
As for private liquor stores, will there be lower shelf prices with the promised harmonizing of alcohol prices they get from the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch? Typically, private stores charge a bit more for booze, because they've been paying more to obtain it, but consumers will want to see if private retailers are passing any savings on to customers.
Where all this will lead is uncertain but the province undoubtedly doesn't want to lose its competitive advantage because booze revenue provides a hefty sum of cash to government coffers - as much as $4.3 billion, according to the BC Government Employees Union, which represents government liquor store workers.
The goal should be responsible alcohol consumption, convenience and competitive pricing to benefit the consumer as well as a revenue stream that keeps both government and private liquor stores strong.
