SAQ's New Spirits Display Zones: Pros, Cons, and Implications

0:00Quebec's alcohol retailer, the SAQ, has rolled out new display zones for spirits like vodka in supermarkets such as Maxi and even Acasco Inn, Montreal, Southwest Burro. These pilots aim to make hard liquor easier to grab while shopping for groceries. The move comes as the SAQ tries to reverse slumping sales from shifting buyer habits. Officials plan to expand with 92 such zones in urban stores by summer 2026, starting with spots that already sell beer and wine. Public help experts worry, this ramps up availability, leading to more drinking and related problems. They point to risks of impulse buys next to fruits and veggies, plus normalizing alcohol as an everyday item despite its links to over 200. Diseases and annual costs exceeding $3.2 billion. The SAQ employees' union calls it a step toward privatization, arguing its risky to let more outlets sell a product that can cause dependence, especially late into evenings.

1:02Meanwhile, the SAQ insists the Costco spot is unique due to its standalone location and high traffic setting the stage for watching how these changes play out across the province. Local news, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today, I'm Corey with The Story.