Limiting access to beer blends with high alcohol and sugar content

The Government of Quebec takes necessary action

QUÉBEC CITY, March 13, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, and Lucie Charlebois, Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region, announced the Quebec government’s intention to limit access to beer blends with high alcohol and sugar content, and to better regulate the advertisement and promotion of alcoholic beverages.

The government is proposing three important actions:

1. Prohibit the sale of beer blends containing over 7% alcohol by volume in grocery stores and corner stores:

• The government would like to submit an amendment to Bill 170 aiming to prohibit the sale of beer blends containing over 7% alcohol by volume in grocery stores and corner stores. This would not apply to artisanal or traditional beers with high alcohol content.

2. Give the Régie des Alcools, des Courses et des Jeux (RACJ) more power to intervene:

• The government would like to submit another amendment allowing the RACJ to order a permit holder to immediately cease its beverage production and to prevent its sale and distribution activities. The RACJ would also have the power to recall, seal and order the destruction of alcoholic beverages.

3. Review the Regulation respecting promotion, advertising and educational programs relating to alcoholic beverages:

• In Bill 170, the government proposes the addition of financial penalties for those who violate the Regulation respecting promotion, advertising and education programs relating to alcoholic beverages.
• The government would like to review this regulation in order to clarify the mandatory approval for advertising alcoholic beverages on social media and to update the regulation to reflect today’s reality, with two goals:
  • Protecting minors;
  • Encouraging responsible drinking.

Let us remember that on last February 21, the Minister of Public Security submitted Bill 170 in order to modernize the legal framework applicable to liquor permits and amend various legislative provisions relating to alcoholic beverages.

Quotes:

The consumption of beer blends with high alcohol and sugar content, particularly by young people, has been concerning us since the fall. We are witnessing an increase in the collective awareness of this issue. With Bill 170, we have the opportunity to act quickly, and it is an opportunity we must not miss. Above and beyond the measures proposed in this bill, the government intends to present amendments to limit access to beer blends with high alcohol and sugar content, and to give the Régie more power to intervene so it can react to situations quickly and efficiently.

– Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region

We must take concrete action. The INSPQ report shows alarming figures concerning alcohol poisoning. These situations can have dire consequences, particularly for young people. That is why we are acting now to better intervene, protect our youth and prevent further regrettable events.

– Lucie Charlebois, Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region

Key facts:

• According to the Regulation respecting alcoholic beverages made with beer, “beer blend” means an alcoholic beverage referred to in subparagraph 2 of the first paragraph of sections 24.2 and 25 of the Act respecting the Société des alcools du Québec (chapter S-13), obtained by blending exclusively beer with fruit juice, water, carbon dioxide or flavouring, that does not have the aroma, taste and character commonly attributed to beer and that as a finished product is not beer.
• Let us emphasize that Bill 170 already proposes:
  • The introduction of financial penalties for promotion and advertising;
  • The requirement that permit holders and people in charge of establishments providing alcohol receive training on responsible drinking practices.
• Let us remember that on last October 26, the National Assembly unanimously adopted the following motion: “That the National Assembly ask the national public health director to investigate cases of poisoning caused by consuming beverages high in sugar and alcohol, especially by young people; That the Minister for Public Health report to the National Assembly on the conclusions and recommendations of this investigation as soon as possible.”