It's about to get much easier to buy alcohol in Ontario.
Finance Minister Vic Fedeli said today the province is going ahead with an election pledge to offer drinkers more choice when it comes to where they can buy alcohol.
Fedeli says the move will cut prices and "terminate the previous government's unfair agreement with the Beer Store, allowing Ontario's government to expand alcohol sales to corner, big-box, and more grocery stores while protecting taxpayers.
"The unfair agreement with the Beer Store puts the interests of three large global brewers ahead of Ontario consumers, taxpayers, and small businesses," said Fedeli. "It's a bad deal for people in Ontario who want more choice and convenience, and it's deeply unfair to businesses who want to compete in this sector."
The Nipissing MPP did not say how much it would cost to break the contract with The Beer Store, nor give a timeline as to when the new outlets would be available to consumers.
The government released a report delivered by Ken Hughes, Ontario's Special Advisor for the Beverage Alcohol Review detailing "the inconvenience and unfairness of the current system for everyday Ontario consumers," and identified the agreement with the Beer Store and its private owners as the primary obstacle to achieving a more fair and convenient alcohol retail system in Ontario.
Hughes claims, "Buying alcohol has been a source of continual frustration for everyday Ontarians for the past 92 years."
His report makes nine recommendations the government can take to create a fairer and more convenient alcohol retail system.
- Do everything possible under the Master Framework Agreement to authorize additional alcohol retail outlets.
- Consider other available options within its powers that would provide ways to expand retail sales should negotiations with TBS and its owners prove unsuccessful.
- Take a phased approach toward authorizing new retailers and beverage alcohol products available for sale.
- Enable price competition between retailers.
- Continue to consult with Ontario winemakers and grape growers to determine how Ontario’s wine industry will be best supported in an expanded retail environment in a manner that respects international trade obligations.
- Continue to engage Ontario’s important spirits industry.
- Maintain the LCBO as a valuable government asset.
- Work with retailers, beverage alcohol manufacturers, and public health experts to ensure that increasing convenience does not lead to increased social costs related to alcohol.
- Reduce unnecessary regulatory burden and address inefficiencies that increase costs to the industry.
