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Radio ads highlight savings of up to 35% over private stores and a larger selection of popular products.
Vancouver (16 Dec. 2009) - During this holiday season, the women and men who work at B.C.'s government liquor stores are urging British Columbians to shop at public stores for the lowest prices and best product selection.
"We're running a modest radio advertising campaign in a number of communities to remind consumers that where they shop matters," says Darryl Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).
BCGEU represents 2,500 employees of the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB).
In addition to consistently lower prices and larger selection, Walker says shopping at public stores creates more provincial revenue to help pay for health, education and other important public services.
"In challenging economic times, public liquor stores clearly offer the best value for consumers," Walker says.
The 'Shop Public' campaign runs from Dec. 14 to 23 in major B.C. markets. The ads also encourage British Columbians to drink responsibly.
Consumer surveys conducted by BCGEU and the Consumers' Association of Canada (CAC) over the last several years show that popular liquor, wine and beer products cost up to 35% more at private liquor outlets compared to public stores. This differential occurs despite a taxpayer-financed 16% discount that private retailers receive on liquor products from the province.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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BCGEU radio ad: Shop Public this 2009 Holiday Season