Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction "Open versus Closed: The Risks Associated with Retail Liquor Stores during COVID-19"
Source:
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, provincial and territorial governments have designated liquor stores as essential businesses permitted to stay open. This brief report will highlight some of the risks associated with keeping liquor stores open during the pandemic and the potential risks of closing these stores. It is intended for government officials, policy makers, researchers and journalists.
Key Messages
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Risks associated with keeping liquor retail stores open include increased alcohol consumption in the population, a rise in domestic violence and long-term costs for governments.
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Risks associated with closing liquor retail stores include involuntary withdrawal among people with alcohol use disorders, turning to non-beverage forms of alcohol, increased anxiety among individuals using alcohol, stockpiling and reduced profits for governments.
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Many risks are hypothetical and theoretical. The only empirical evidence available to guide the analyses comes from studies of liquor store strikes in Canada, Finland, Norway and Sweden between 1963 and 1985.
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Amid the decision to keep liquor retail stores open and given low alcohol literacy among Canadians, governments should invest in resources to educate the public about low-risk alcohol consumption.
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Governments should plan to provide additional funding to healthcare professionals who perform brief interventions, as well as groups and organizations, and social and health services that can help address domestic violence and support victims.