Newfoundland and Labrador are anticipating the permanent reintroduction of American liquor on store shelves, with Premier Tony Wakeham expressing uncertainty about consumer reception. Wakeham mentioned that there is approximately $400,000 worth of American liquor still in stock and emphasized that the decision to support this initiative lies with individual consumers.
Following a meeting with Canada’s premiers, where Prime Minister Mark Carney provided an update on trade talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Wakeham stated that Carney is optimistic about reaching a trade agreement by Friday. As a gesture of goodwill, all provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador, have agreed to place U.S. liquor back on shelves as part of this potential deal.
Initially removed from shelves in February 2025 in response to U.S. tariffs, American liquor briefly returned in December for stock clearance, with profits donated to the Community Food Sharing Association totaling $750,000. The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) confirmed that around 11% of the American inventory from the December restocking remains on shelves, awaiting guidance from the provincial government. However, Wakeham clarified that the NLC has the authority to decide on further orders and procurement of U.S. liquor.
The NLC disclosed that they are awaiting directives from the government regarding U.S. products, but Wakeham reiterated that the final decision lies with the NLC. He also inquired about the volume of American liquor still available on shelves during the meeting.