In the early days of the whole tariff disagreement with the United States, Quebec was among the provinces that pulled U.S.-sourced alcohol from shelves (and from distribution to sellers/restaurants) at the SAQ (provincial alcohol distributor/retailer). As it turns out, they now have on the order of $300k that will be passing its expiry date soon, apparently with millions of dollars more in inventory that is not known to be expiring soon.

Earlier this week, there was some discussion of dumping/destroying the soon-to-expire stock. Just today, the minister announced that they will (likely) not be destroying it, but offering to donate it to hospitality schools and similar organisations, with an option to apply to participate on the SAQ Web site.

I understand the desire to be seen doing something to retaliate against the unprovoked actions of our nearest neighbour, but this seems to have been a cut-your-nose-to-spite-your-face situation. Personally, I would have preferred a more measured response: immediately announce that you will not be placing any additional orders for any of their products going forward, as a result of the hostile trade (and other) actions. With the official announcement made, you look at your options. If any of it can be sent back where it came from, do that. If not, you offer the remaining stock at a steep discount to those who are still inclined to buy it; even at or slightly below cost, if that is what’s required to move the stock before it expires. At least then, no one has to eat a self-inflicted loss, and we don’t waste what we have already paid for in advance.

We could also ask Alberta or Saskatchewan if they’d be interested in taking them off of our hands for some fraction of cost, if we can’t get rid of them any other way.

Quebec liquor board prepares to destroy $300K worth of American alcohol
Down the drain? Not so fast. Quebec minister says U.S. alcohol to be donated, not destroyed