The following letter was sent to MLA Nicholas Simons and copied to Coast Reporter
Dear Mr. Simons:
Why is it that the NDP is trying to mislead people into believing that private liquor retailers have a discount that the government stores do not?
Slashing our discount by over 37 per cent will result in higher prices and possible job loss. The fact is BC Liquor Stores mark their products up by as much as 167 per cent. For example, the LDB purchases a bottle of wine for $4.79, and sets the retail price at $13.99. Private liquor retailers can then purchase the same wine for $12.06. That is a 16 per cent discount that the NDP, if elected, promises to cut back to 10 per cent. On an average day that discount pays for employees in the liquor store and the pub.
Ms. James publicly said, "We are fear mongering," by insisting prices will have to increase. Our liquor store, like most across B.C. is family owned, operated, and in large part subsidizes our pub. We've worked hard, through various community fundraisers and events to build business. I would like to invite you to come in and meet the staff. Go over some numbers and assure us that we have no need to worry, and that business wont suffer, jobs won't be lost, and prove to us that the 37 per cent cutback will have no effect on us.
At a recent all-candidate's meeting you said, "There is a very strong disconnect between the government and small business, not only in this riding, but across the province." I don't feel a reconnection by taking money out of our pockets and threatening our livelihood.
Steph Lardy
Blackfish Pub and Liquor Store/Gibsons
