Some U.S. alcohol to return to Quebec stores before quality drops, minister says

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MONTREAL - Quebec's finance minister says some U.S. alcohol will be returning to the province's liquor store shelves before the quality drops.

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MONTREAL – Quebec’s finance minister says some U.S. alcohol will be returning to the province’s liquor store shelves before the quality drops.

Eric Girard says the only products authorized to be sold are those which could start to deteriorate by March 2027.

The sale is expected to generate up to $8.6 million, which will be handed over to the province’s food banks.

American whiskey is seen on the shelves of a SAQ liquor store in Montreal on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
American whiskey is seen on the shelves of a SAQ liquor store in Montreal on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

The provincial government on March 4 ordered the state-owned corporation to empty shelves of U.S. alcohol in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Quebec’s liquor board says the products that are returning to stores on Feb. 12 include some ready-to-drink beverages, sakes and cream-based products.

The province asked the state-owned corporation last year to donate some $300,000 worth of U.S. alcohol that was set to expire during the boycott.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2026.

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