Montreal

SAQ boosts wine prices across Quebec

Are you a wine drinker? You may want to double check that price tag.

Struggling Canadian loonie leads to price hike at Quebec liquor stores

The SAQ raised the selling price of 200 different bottles on its shelves. (CBC)

Are you a wine drinker? You may want to double check the price tag.

Quebec's government-run liquor board boosted the selling price of 200 different bottles on its shelves.

The price of a $15 bottle of wine rose by an average of 65 cents as of Wednesday at SAQ outlets across the province.

However, the SAQ also lowered the prices of about 20 of its 1,200 products.

The spike comes in part due to a sluggish Canadian dollar, the SAQ said.

A spokesperson said 20 per cent of imports are paid for in Euros or the American dollar so costs rise and fall based on the value of the loonie.

The SAQ is allowed to raise or lower the prices of certain wines if the Canadian dollar fluctuates by three per cent — but suppliers do have the choice to absorb the costs.