Manitoba in Canada to sell US alcohol
The Canadian province of Manitoba will sell select American alcohol to the public from tomorrow, with proceeds to be donated to charity.
Manitoba, like the majority of Canadian provinces, removed American alcohol from shelves in March. The move was made in response to US tariffs on Canadian exports to the States.
The government’s premier, Wab Kinew, has now authorised the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to sell some of its US alcohol inventory to the public until 24 December.
“Manitobans have been resilient against Donald Trump’s tariffs and deserve some holiday cheer,” said Kinew. “We are offering people a chance to give back to the most vulnerable families during this holiday season.”
On 8 December, the MBLL enabled private retailers and liquor businesses, including restaurants and loungers, to order some of its US spirits.
From 10 December, 12 liquor stores will start selling some American products to the public.
A full selection will be available in these stores by 13 December and will remain available until 24 December. MBLL noted that all products sold will be in a saleable condition and within expiration dates.
The list of wine and spirits on offer includes a large selection of American whiskeys, including Jack Daniel’s, Buffalo Trace and Bulleit, alongside rums from Bacardi, Sailor Jerry and Kraken.
Up to CA$500,000 (US$361,260) of net revenue will be donated to local charities including Christmas Cheer Board of Greater Winnipeg, Harvest Manitoba, Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry, Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, and Boys and Girls Club of Thompson.
“By offering these US products during the holidays, Manitobans will have additional options for their family gathering while at the same time contributing to assistance for vulnerable Manitobans for whom the holidays can be a challenging time,” northern relations minister Glen Simard added.
“We strongly believe that removing US alcohol from the shelves is the right thing to do at a time when our economy is under attack from illegal tariffs. Rather than waiting for products to expire and be destroyed, they will now fund community organisations instead.”
It follows a similar move by Canadian province Nova Scotia in November, which announced it would sell the last of its inventory and donate net profits to charity.
Related news
Canada bags Monkey Shoulder UBC Americas 2025 win
