‘Cost of doing business in the Trump era’: MBLL disposes of over $26K in booze

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries has confirmed more than $26,000 worth of American liquor not sold has been disposed of.

Thousands of dollars worth of U.S. liquor has been wasted because of the province’s decision to retaliate against U.S. tariffs.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) told CTV News that $26,600 worth of expired U.S. wines and crème liqueurs was disposed of this year.

On Feb. 2, Premier Wab Kinew directed MBLL to stop the sale of U.S. liquor products across the province.

The day before, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tax on energy.

“As a government, we are standing up and taking $80 million out of the American economy by taking their liquor off the shelves,” said a spokesperson for Glen Simard, Manitoba’s minister responsible for MBLL.

“There are plenty of great Manitoban breweries and distilleries to support instead,” reads the emailed statement. “This is the cost of doing business in the Trump era.”

The spokesperson said the liquor was purchased before the ban took effect.

The provincial Crown corporation said $2,400 was spent to safely neutralize the alcohol and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.