This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
'One of many studies that shows the connection between the proliferation of private liquor stores and alcohol-related disease and deaths.'
Victoria (21 Jan. 2011) - Alcohol-related deaths have increased in British Columbia as the number of private liquor stores have increased over the past decade, says a new study by the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C. at the University of Victoria.
The study shows that a 3.25% rise in such deaths occurs with every 20% in the density of private liquor outlets (stores per 1,000 people).
"The increase in the number of liquor stores in B.C. per head of population following the 2002 partial privatization has led to both increases in rates of alcohol consumption and of alcohol-related deaths," the study concludes.
“We’ve known of the harm brought on by the privatization of liquor sales for years,” says Craig MacKay, chair of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) component that represents workers at the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB).
“This is one of many studies that shows the connection between the proliferation of private liquor stores and alcohol-related disease and deaths - and the evidence here is quite compelling.”
The study compared data collected from 2003 to 2008 when the number of private liquor stores increased dramatically compared with the relatively stable numbers of bars, restaurants or government stores.
The number of private stores rose from 727 in 2003 to 977 in 2008 while the number of government stores dropped from 222 in 2003 to 199 in 2008. The number of restaurants was 3,849 in 2003 compared to 4,163 in 2008, while the number of bars declined from 1,833 in 2003 to 1,812 in 2008.
Over the same period, the number of alcohol-related deaths rose from 1,937 in 2003 to 1,983 in 2004, 2,016 in 2005 and 2,086 in 2006. The number dropped slightlight to 2,074 in 2007 and was 2,011 in 2008.
The causes of death examined in the study ranged from those directly related to alcohol, such as alcohol poisoning, to indirect causes, such as alcohol-induced violence in homicides or suicides.
“It’s time for the government to seriously consider the effect that privatization of liquor distribution is having on communities throughout the province,” says MacKay.
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