Airdrie liquor buyers will pay more for high-end wines starting April 1, 2025, as Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) implements higher markups on premium bottles. At the same time, small distillers will face stricter standards to qualify for reduced markup rates.
The AGLC website states that wines with a reference invoice price above $15 per litre will be subject to additional ad valorem markups. A 5 per cent markup will apply to the portion of the price between $15 and $20 per litre, increasing to 10 per cent for the portion between $20 and $25 per litre, and 15 per cent on anything above $25 per litre. These increases will be added to the existing flat markup of $4.11 per litre, which translates to about $3.08 per 750 ml bottle.
BSW Liquor, a Calgary-based retailer, said in an online update that these changes will lead to higher retail prices, particularly for higher-end wines. A bottle priced at $11.25 per 750 ml will see no change, maintaining a retail price of about $19.78.
However, a bottle with a supplier cost of $30 will incur an additional $2.26 markup, raising the retail price to about $48.77. Higher-end wines will see steeper increases—a bottle priced at $75 will face an extra markup of $9.01, pushing the price to around $120.18.
"Wines priced above $30 per bottle will see the most significant price increases under the new system," BSW Liquor said. Premium wines will face markups as high as 15 per cent on portions of their value above $25 per litre.
AGLC is also making amendments to Sections 3.1.4 and 6.2.3 of the Liquor Manufacturer Handbook (LMH), effective April 1, 2025. Small manufacturers using neutral spirits to produce spirits products—including those made under contract—must distill the neutral spirit inputs on-site using traditional techniques to remain eligible for small manufacturer markup rates.
BSW Liquor said these changes will affect not just retail liquor stores but also restaurants and other licensed establishments, potentially leading to higher prices across the board.
According to AGLC, the changes aim to align the tax treatment of high-value wines with other premium alcohol products while ensuring small distillers meet stricter production standards. With the changes set to take effect immediately on April 1, BSW Liquor recommends that frequent wine buyers in Alberta plan ahead, as higher costs at checkout are expected.
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