WINNIPEG - A coming hike in the cost of booze is little more than a "backdoor tax" from a provincial government addicted to spending, said the Manitoba Tories.

On Tuesday, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission confirmed prices for most wine, beer, and spirits will be increasing on April 1.

Customers can expect to pay approximately 80 cents more per 12-pack of beer and 47 cents more for a 750-ml bottle of spirits.

Conservative MLA Cliff Cullen, the party's critic for the Manitoba Liquor Control Act, said Thursday the NDP government already siphons off $250 million in profits from the MLCC for its own needs.

"Through this tax grab, the NDP is trying to hide that it can't manage your money when it has taken in the most revenue in Manitoba history," said Cullen. "You have to wonder what's next."

Premier Greg Selinger told media on Wednesday that all profits from the MLCC go towards health and education funding.