'If it ain't broke, don't fix it': Proposed liquor in grocery stores pilot brings mixed reactions
There are mixed feelings in Manitoba about a proposed plan to expand liquor sales and put beer, wine and hard alcohol on the shelves of retailers like grocery stores.
Barry Krueger picks up milk and other staples at the store, but he says something is missing.
“In the summertime, beer," he told CTV News. "When I cut the grass and I have a steak, an ice-cold beer is great."
He’d like to be able to buy that beer with his steak, and feels Manitoba is behind the times.
"I lived in Alberta for about 30 years, there you can buy anything at any public place," he said.
Earlier this month, the Stefanson government introduced legislation that would allow retailers including grocery stores to sell beer, wine and hard liquor on a trial basis.
Pat Schmitke, the owner of Morris Bigway Foods, would like to offer all three in his store and he’d be willing to expand the building to get into the booze business.
“Grab your alcohol while you’re here, I think it would just be beneficial for us," Schmitke said.
He believes liquor sales would not only increase traffic, it would also add convenience – something he says his customers have been asking for.
“They say all the time, it would be so nice if you could get the liquor store in here so we could make it a one-stop shop," he said.
Not everyone likes the idea.
Thompson’s Mayor Colleen Smook wants municipalities to be able to opt out of the pilot project. Smook said her community is dealing with addictions and crime issues related to alcohol, and expanding sales won’t help
"It causes more work for our RCMP basically, between the fights, and the crime rate goes up again," she said.
Other independent grocery store owners CTV News spoke with say they aren’t interested because of the potential for theft and violence. That is something Liquor Mart employees had to endure before the expensive security measures were put in place in those government outlets.
“The way I see it, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it," said Rick Green, manager of The Beer Market Charleswood.
Green said his bottom line would take a beating if he has to compete with Costco, Superstore and Sobeys.
“I believe that it would make a huge difference that would affect us immensely," he said.
Back in Morris, Schmitke said competition is a good thing and he is not deterred by the theft issue.
“It would be a risk worth taking,” he said.
When the legislation was introduced, the province said it would be doing consultations to determine the rules and regulations around the pilot project.
The legislation has not yet been passed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.