U.S. liquor going back on NLC shelves, while push to buy local continues

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has made the decision to reverse their initial plan of pulling U.S. alcohol off the shelves in response to President Trump’s tariffs. This change comes after the announcement that the tariffs will be delayed for at least 30 days.

While the push to buy local products is gaining momentum in the province, there are still challenges that businesses face due to the potential impacts of the tariffs. Local breweries like Wooden Walls Distilling and Quidi Vidi Brewery are encouraged by the support for locally made beer and spirits. However, there are concerns about the increased costs that could arise from tariffs on both sides of the border.

Peter Madden, co-founder of Wooden Walls Distilling, believes that consumers need to understand that they can still get high-quality products by buying local. On the other hand, Justin Fong, co-owner of Quidi Vidi Brewery, points out that the added costs from tariffs could have negative effects on businesses, especially when it comes to sourcing materials from suppliers who may be impacted by the tariffs.

AnnMarie Boudreau, CEO of the St. John’s Board of Trade, emphasizes the importance of researching brands to determine their local connections. She suggests that consumers speak to business owners to gain a better understanding of where their products come from and how they are affected by tariffs.

Overall, while the desire to support local businesses is commendable, it is essential for consumers to consider the complexities involved in buying local products. By being informed and engaging with business owners, consumers can make more educated decisions about where and how they spend their money.