LCBO confirms Ontarians will have to shell out a little extra for certain beers and spirits

Sure, we understand that the Liquor Control Board of Ontario sets minimum prices on booze as part of its mandate to promote social responsibility (translation: to stop us from drinking so much that we forget where we live). But sometimes it’s possible to get a little tired of all the tough love. Late last week, mean mommy the provincial liquor monopoly announced it would raise the price of some beer and spirits starting March 1.

The CBC outlined the minimum price increases:

Wines won’t be affected because none of its wines are sold at the minimum price, said LCBO spokesman Chris Layton.

About 10 per cent of spirits sold by the LCBO and three to four per cent of beers will see their prices go up.

A 24-bottle case of the cheapest beer will go up by 55 cents, from $28.80 to $29.35. A 750 mL bottle of a mainstream spirit will go up by 50 cents to $23.90.

Okay, they’re not exactly the hugest of hikes. Still, they were enough to set off NDP leader Andrea Horwath, who argued that consumers are “being nickel and dimed.” If she’s right and the motive behind the increases is to raise revenues rather than moderate drinking, well, forgive us for pointing out that auditor general Jim McCarter just explained how to do that without taking it out on the consumer.

• Minimum prices for liquor sold in Ontario going up [CBC]