Enjoy ‘dry January’ while it lasts because SAQ prices will increase next month

Heads up, Quebec! The SAQ just announced that bottle prices are set to increase in February and March, so now's the time to plan that booze run if you want to save some cash.

According to a January 28 press release, the first price hike will hit the liquor store's shelves on February 16 and will impact most products sold at the SAQ. The increase is due to several factors, including higher transportation costs, updated fees for recycling programs and the end of the temporary GST holiday — which began on December 14.

For example, a $15 French wine will cost about 50 cents (3.3%) more, while a $45 bottle of spirits may see a jump of $2 (4.5%).

If you want to make the most of your money, you can stock up on certain products currently benefiting from the federal GST break, which runs until February 15. The temporary tax break applies to the following categories:

• Wine, cider, and sake with 22.9% alcohol or less
• Beer of all types
• Ready-to-drink cocktails and coolers made from spirits with 7% alcohol or less

On March 1, a second price adjustment will take place, targeting the following products:

• Items in plastic and aluminum containers that will become returnable starting March 1
• Products purchased by the SAQ in U.S. dollars (roughly 2% of the SAQ's stock)
• Certain items from Quebec producers and bottlers

According to the SAQ, the extra fees will help pay for upgrades to Quebec’s recycling and bottle return system. The increases will also help account for the fluctuating U.S. exchange rate, and new regulations requiring Quebec producers and bottlers to handle recycling costs.

Final adjustments to the retail prices of bottles will be posted on SAQ.COM on February 10 and February 24, 2025.

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