NLC wants minimum booze prices in bars to go up

The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation wants to raise the minimum price that bars can charge for beer and liquor.

Currently, the cheapest price by law for alcohol in bars is $1.65 per glass of beer, wine or liquor. Some bars offer "three for five" deals that make it cheap and quick for patrons to get drunk.

Steve Winter, the liquor corporation's president and CEO, said he has no doubt cheap booze is fuelling bad behaviour, and he believes the price should go up.

"I think what they're creating is an environment where probably younger people are able to go downtown with a $20 bill and get a pretty good load of beer in them. And that's probably not a very good thing."

NLC concerned about alcohol-related incidents

Winter said the NLC has been concerned about reports of recent serious alcohol-related incidents in downtown St. John's.

A garbage contractor spoke out on Monday about the increasing amount of garbage and number of blood soaked items his crews have to clean up near the George Street bar and nightclub area, especially on weekend mornings.

Reaction to the NLC proposal by George Street patrons was mixed.

"When you're out to the bar, you're out for a good time," said Jason Forbes. "You don't want to be paying extra for booze."

"I guess it's a good idea," said Shyla Furlong. "A lot of people drink too much."

Winter did not indicate how much of an increase the NLC will ask for, but he did note that the requested price increase will only apply to alcohol sold in bars, not alcohol sold in retail stores.

Winter added that he hopes the increase will become law during the fall 2012 sitting of the house of assembly.