P.E.I. to sell remaining U.S. liquor, donate profits to food banks

Prince Edward Island is selling off American liquor and giving the profits to food banks.

Prince Edward Island has announced its plans for the remaining inventory of U.S. liquor in the province.

P.E.I. removed U.S. liquor products from stores in February in response to tariffs imposed by the United States.

The PEI Liquor Control Commission (PEILCC) is now being directed to put American alcohol back on store shelves this Thursday.

However, the province says some locations may experience delays due to “shipping logistics.”

An estimated $600,000 in net profit from sales will be donated to food banks across the island.

Cheques will be issued monthly beginning in January.

“The coming months tend to be tough for many and I’m glad that we can support some of the people and organizations who do so much for Islanders in need,” said Finance Minister Jill Burridge in a provincial news release issued Wednesday.

“Like other provinces in the region, we are fully committed to Team Canada and are prioritizing our local producers retaining as much of their expanded shelf space as possible.”

The province says American alcohol will not be reordered after it is sold.

Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador have previously announced similar plans.

PEILCC bought 16,345 cases of U.S. products last year, with total gross sales amounting to $7.38 million, according to a previous news release.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.