Tories say it’s time Ontario considered selling beer, wine 24/7 in corner stores

TORONTO – Progressive Conservatives say it’s time Ontario considered selling beer and wine around the clock in convenience stores.

The Tories oppose plans by the Liquor Control Board to spend $100 million over two years to build about 70 new stores, and say it’s time to review the government’s role in the alcohol business.

Convenience stores recently submitted a petition with over 112,000 signatures calling on the government to allow them to sell beer and wine.

Conservative Peter Shurman believes it’s time to let the private sector play a larger role in selling liquor, and says his party would consider making beer and wine available 24-7.

Premier Dalton McGuinty shot down the idea of beer and wine in corner stores again today, saying the LCBO does a good job of preventing minors from buying booze and returns $1.6 billion a year.

The LCBO says it doesn’t make large capital investments unless it’s sure of a 12 per cent rate of return, and projects its expansion plans will create 740 direct and indirect jobs across the province.