Beer, wine and distilled spirits in Ontario: A comparison of recent policies, regulations and
practices
Sammanfattning
AIMS – There is a long-standing discussion about whether some beverages are more likely to be
linked with high-risk drinking and damage than others, and implications for beverage specific alcohol
policies. While the evidence is inconclusive, when controlling for individual consumption, some studies
have shown elevated risks by beverage type. This paper examines the situation in Ontario, Canada,
from 1995 to present (2011) on several dimensions in order to assess the differences by beverage
and their rationale with a specific focus on the most recent policie. METHODS – This paper draws
on archival consumption statistics, taxation and pricing arrangements, and retailing and marketing
practices. RESULTS – Off-premise sales, which represent an estimated 75% of ethanol, involve several
channels: stores controlled by the Liquor Control Board (LCBO) – which sell all spirits, imported and
domestic wines, and beer products; the Beer Store network which sell all beers; and Ontario winery
stores – which sell Ontario wines. In LCBO stores Ontario wines are more prominently displayed than
other beverages, and extensive print advertising tends to feature wine over beer and spirits. There
are also differences by beverage in terms of taxation and price. The taxes on higher alcohol content
beverage types account for a higher portion of the retail price than taxes on lower alcohol content
beverage types. Furthermore, minimum price regulations allow for differential minimum pricing per
standard drink [17.05 ml ethanol] across beverage types. CONCLUSIONS – The apparent rationale for
these arrangements is not primarily that of favouring lighter-strength beverages in order to reduce
harm, but rather to accommodate long-standing vested interests which are primarily financially based.