'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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.