This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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The Progressive Conservative leader of Ontario, Tim Hudak, has requested Ontario to “consider all options for increasing choice and competition” in the alcohol sales. The previous proposal requests the city to consider handing out sale or partial sale power to Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores, which will put an end to the Beer Store monopoly, allowing sales in corner or grocery stores.
He alleged that majority Ontarians are frustrated for being incapable of buying a wine at 5 p.m. on Sunday since the local LCBO was closed, or having had to waste an hour trekking to the Beer Store and back. This new proposal holds support of editorial writers, along with lobby groups like the Ontario Convenience Stores Association with its FreeOurBeer campaign. The Liberal government has been forced to give more access, while responding to a newly launched pilot project to help forming new LCBO “express outlets” in existing grocery stores. So far, among the possible reasons to oppose the decision, is the belief that easy availability of alcohol can be a possible inconvenience.
Alberta already has a private retail distribution system for successful liquor stores that are located near supermarkets. Hence, it is achievable in Ontario too and even if the new express outlets are a success, the calls for change will continue. Mr. Hudak advocates choice in alcohol sales, which is much more than that. It allows to choose between hard trade-offs: between cost and convenience; between protecting government revenues and increasing competition; between serving Ontario consumers and preventing alcohol abuse.
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