Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne may be considering allowing larger grocery stores to carry beer and wine.
On Friday, the province's Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure Brad Duguid didn’t deny that Wynne is contemplating the idea. The move would likely break up the virtual monopoly held by the Beer Store, as hundreds of larger supermarkets in Ontario would be able to sell craft beers and other popular brands.
"I have no doubts whatsoever that you’re going to see some significant change,” Duguid told reporters at Queen's Park on Friday. "I would suggest that this premier has the steel to make those decisions."
In response to the proposed idea, the beer chain released a statement on Friday.
"The Beer Store is subject to a non-disclosure agreement ... As a result, the Beer Store will not comment on speculative media stories at this time, except to say that the process is not complete."
But the planned proposal already has the backing of some craft brewers who feel shut-out by the foreign-owned beer chain.
"I'm cautiously optimistic," said Doug Pengelly, co-owner of Junction Craft Microbrewery. "Generally speaking, we want to have more access to the market; we want to be able to put our beer in more places and get it in front of our customers."
The possible liberalization of alcohol sales in Ontario comes after Wynne announced in February the province would not permit beer sales in corner stores.
It's believed an official announcement of the plan will be made during the spring budget.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Liberals are continuing to review how alcohol is sold in the province. Wynne has appointed former TD Bank CEO Ed Clark to look into the relationship between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and the Beer Store, as well as the alcohol distribution system.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Janice Golding
