Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 03/99) - If you're after a 12-pack of beer -- or any other alcohol -- better pack a little extra in your wallet.

As of Wednesday, the Government of the Northwest Territories, through its mark- up, hiked prices on alcohol.

"It will mean higher revenues for the government at a time when we are facing a difficult fiscal situation," Finance Minister Charles Dent said.

The effect of the increase on liquor prices will differ depending on the product, but prices for most products will increase three to seven per cent the GNWT said in a release.

The hike is expected to generate an additional $1.3 million for the GNWT in fiscal 1999-2000.

A dozen bottles of Molson Canadian or Labatt Blue will now set the consumer back $19.10, up 70 cents from Tuesday's price of $18.40. In Edmonton, a 12-pack costs $15.

As for a 750-millilitre bottle of Seagram's V.O. whisky, that went up $1.70 to $27.65.

Bacardi rum, in the 1.14-litre (a 40-ouncer) now rings in at $40.75, up from $38.15.

As for wine, a litre bottle of French Selectionee goes for $12.75, up from $12.05.

The last mark-up increase was in 1995.

Prior to Wednesday's hike, the GNWT was anticipating $13.7 million liquor mark-up revenues.

Liquor mark-up is a significant source of revenue for the GNWT but it is not the biggest.

In the current fiscal year, the GNWT anticipates it will collect about $45 million in personal income tax. Corporate tax is expected to come in at about $14 million.

Tobacco mark-ups raise about $10 million for the GNWT.

It remains to be seen if bars and restaurants will up prices. Calls by Yellowknifer to a couple city pubs found prices unchanged, for the time being.

It also remains to be seen if the liquor hike is a forerunner to hikes in other areas as the GNWT attempts to balance the 2000-2001 budget.