The thirst for United States booze in Manitoba appears to be much higher than initially thought.

The provincial government pulled American liquor from its store shelves in March, in response to tariffs on Canadian goods imposed by the United States.

On Monday, the province started a temporary lift on the cross-border booze ban, beginning with private retailers, restaurants, lounges and other businesses.

The general public will be able to buy the products starting Wednesday until Dec. 24 at some liquor outlets.

The government was planning to sell about $1 million worth of American liquor, but Premier Wab Kinew says about $1.9 million was snapped up within the first four hours on Monday.

It's not clear how much more will be available for sale, but Kinew estimates the province has about

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