Quebec Premier announced on Friday, August 7, 2026, that American alcoholic beverages will not be stocked in the province's government‑run liquor stores. The decision was communicated during a press briefing held at 15:10 Eastern Daylight Time, where the premier emphasized that the province will continue to prohibit the sale of U.S. liquor in its public retail network.
The statement comes as Canada as a whole is reportedly reviewing its longstanding ban on American alcohol in response to requests from the United States. Federal officials have been said to be considering adjustments to national policy that could ease restrictions on cross‑border beverage trade. However, the premier clarified that any change to Quebec's own retail system remains a provincial matter and will be decided solely by the Quebec government.
By maintaining the current exclusion of U.S. products, Quebec's liquor stores will continue to offer only domestically produced or otherwise approved spirits, wines, and beers. The premier indicated that the province will keep evaluating its own regulations independently of federal discussions, reinforcing the autonomy of Quebec's liquor distribution system. No further details on potential future reviews were provided at the briefing.