...of Whisky Magazine and author of "Canadian Whiskey". In it the president of the distiller's association lobbied against the decision in Ontario to allow 300 new retailers (other than the LCBO) to sell beer and wine. In support the president/lobbyist tried to cite Quebec (who'd done the same thing), stating that "sales of spirits dropped from 40% to just 13% of sales.
Look. Whenever a politician or lobbyist speaks it usually needs to be closely parsed, so I did and wrote Davin to clarify:
His quick response:Moi to Davin:
"I noted the alleged controversy wherein Jan H. Westcott of the Distiller's Assoc. speaks forcefully against a proposed change wherein beer and wine will be made available to more retail outlets (as they are here in the US).
She cites Quebec as her rationale, stating that spirit sales, once 40% of sales, have declined apparently precipitously to "just 13%". Now we've both been around the block more than we'd like to admit, so as a former marketing guy it's automatic for me to carefully parse any claim made a politician, or in this case the Pres. of the Distiller's Assoc.
My question to you. Of course 13% sounds horrible - but - that's a percentage, not actual sales. What may have happened is that the additional retail outlets for beer/wine in Quebec did indeed sell a lot more beer - but without dramatically reducing the actual dollar sales of spirits (which I suspect). Why? I don't think either of us believes that spirits lovers are going to stop drinking their favorite whiskey because the corner store now sells beer. Would you? I certainly wouldn't."
Case closed. The new Ontario regs will harm no one. Shame on the Distiller's Association for misrepresenting the numbers.Davin:
"Hi Cap'n,
Gross per capita sales remained more or less static. Proportions shifted to easily accessed beverages as the change promoted more last minute buying. Jan (a man) has lobbied for all three beverage categories.
Davin"
