MONTRÉAL — The liquor board of Quebec faces a significant challenge as it may be compelled to destroy approximately $300,000 worth of American alcoholic beverages banned from stores. This decision stems from an order issued by the provincial government on March 4, 2025, which directed the state-owned corporation to remove U.S. alcohol from its shelves following tariffs imposed by then-President Donald Trump.

In the wake of these tariffs, other provinces across Canada took similar actions. Ontario and Alberta instructed their liquor regulators to halt all purchases of American alcohol, while British Columbia implemented a ban specifically targeting products from "red states," referring to those states that supported Trump in the 2024 election. Such measures reflect a unified approach among provinces to address the economic implications brought by U.S. trade policies.

The Quebec liquor board indicated that the U.S. alcohol currently in storage is comprised of products purchased prior to the imposition of the boycott. However, unless there is a change in government guidelines, the board has raised concerns about the necessity to destroy certain products once they reach their expiration date. Among the items affected are primarily rosé and boxed wines, ready-to-drink cocktails, and specific beers and liqueurs that are not suitable for long-term storage.

Despite the challenging situation with the banned stock, it is worth noting that the $300,000 worth of products earmarked for destruction represents only a small fraction of the overall inventory. The liquor board revealed that there is a total of $27 million worth of American products currently stored, highlighting the broader impact of the government’s decision on its operations.

This scenario illustrates the complexities and potential financial consequences faced by the Quebec liquor board as a result of political decisions and trade relations with the United States. The possibility of destroying products that could have otherwise been sold raises questions about inventory management, consumer access to a wider range of products, and the economic ramifications for both the liquor board and consumers in Quebec.

As the situation develops, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the provincial government will revise its guidelines, allowing for the sale of the U.S. alcohol in storage, or if the liquor board will indeed have to move forward with the destruction of the products in question.