...related to the drink that is:
In an attempt to provide more convenience and variety for consumers, the Ontario government is planning a major overhaul of liquor laws that could include the sale of beer and wine in corner stores. Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said yesterday a panel will look at all aspects of the sale and distribution of alcohol in the province. "The current system is a patchwork of policies and agreements dating back to the 1920s and the end of Prohibition," he said. His announcement comes just weeks before Ontarians will start bringing wine into some restaurants. The government passed legislation allowing that freedom last month. Sorbara said the panel will consider several possibilities, including breaking up the Brewers' Retail monopoly that operates 436 Beer Store outlets, franchising some liquor stores beyond the 196 "agency stores" in rural areas, and expanding the 395 winery-run wine shops.The interesting thing for non-Ontarians is that the system in Ontario is the biggest monopoly left in the world - or dual monopoly if you add the brewery run system romantically called "the Beer Store". Maybe Beer2Go will make a trans-Atlantic leap! In the meantine, it would have been nice to be considered for the committee. $1,000 bucks a day to think about beer!
Comments
tangent - January 13, 2005 11:54 pm
That article link requires a registration. I really wanted to read it too.
It would be nice to see Ontario have the same sane system in affect in Quebec. However, "...look[ing] at all aspects of the sale and distribution..." doesn't mean much and I won't get my hopes up.
tangent - January 14, 2005 12:16 am
I found another link to the article which doesn't require registration.