Craft brewers who feel shut-out by the Beer Store could have their own retail outlets that sell each other's products, under a private members' bill that was reintroduced on Thursday.
Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Todd Smith's "Raise a Glass to Ontario Act" calls for changes to the province's liquor law that would allow such stores to exist. The proposed rule change would also apply to Ontario wineries, cideries, and distillers. Currently, they can only sell their own products on their premises.
"It just doesn’t seem fair," Smith told reporters on Thursday.
If his bill is passed, Smith says the province could see dozens of new retail outlets. "Essentially, what you would be doing is allowing them to create 40 mini beer stores," he said.
The proposed change would likely appeal to many of the smaller booze-makers in Ontario who feel they are underrepresented at the LCBO and Beer Store locations.
Smith's bill would also amend the Liquor Control Act so that Ontario brewers and wineries could share delivery trucks to lower distribution costs. His bill was supported on Thursday by the Ontario Craft Brewer, which represents more than 45 brewers across the province.
"(We) sincerely appreciate Ontario MPP Todd Smiths' support of Ontario Craft Brewers," said a statement on the group's site.
Smith's bill comes as the Ontario Liberals are reviewing how alcohol is sold in the province ahead of the spring budget.
Premier Kathleen 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.
The government has come under fire for an arrangement that would allow Beer Stores to sell the majority of beer in Ontario, with LCBO locations being limited to six packs.
Smith's bill passed second reading on Thurday and will now be studied by the legislature's finance committee.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Paul Bliss
