This morning, Minister Samuel Poulin announced an amendment to Bill 11 aimed at allowing the sale, in grocery stores and convenience stores, of spirit‑based ready‑to‑drink beverages containing 7 % alcohol or less.

However, the headline of a La Presse article suggests that the government would thereby be ending the SAQ’s monopoly. This interpretation is incorrect: the SAQ’s monopoly is absolutely not being called into question.

The SAQ remains responsible for the distribution of ready‑to‑drink beverages, just as it already is for wines bottled in Québec, as part of its role as a wholesaler to food retailers.

This change, requested by several industry partners –including the Union québécoise des micro‑distillateurs, the RCC and the ADAQ– represents a growth opportunity for Québec spirits producers by expanding their market access.

The SAQ will continue to offer in its stores the widest selection of spirit‑based ready‑to‑drink beverages, and spirits containing more than 7 % alcohol will remain strictly under its exclusive authority.

It should also be noted that the SAQ is not moving toward privatization. Contrary to what is stated in the La Presse article, the “Zones SAQ” do not signal any erosion of the monopoly; they merely aim to better serve customers.

This is therefore not a market liberalization similar to what is seen elsewhere: the SAQ will continue to carry out both its retail and wholesale functions, within a unique public model, for the benefit of Québec.