Manitoba government says proposed changes will make liquor sales more convenient
The Manitoba government is hinting it may allow more alcohol sales through private channels to boost customer convenience.
Scott Fielding, minister responsible for the provincial liquor and lottery corporation, said he plans to introduce a bill Thursday that will bring Manitoba more in line with other provinces.
"We clearly know that Manitobans want a more modernized system. Anyone from Manitoba that travels outside the province sees that system in other provinces, " Fielding said Wednesday.
He refused to reveal details before the bill is put before the legislature.
"Our focus ... is really to make life more convenient for individuals. Providing more choice and availability for Manitobans is important."
Manitoba has complex ways in which alcohol is sold. Government-run stores sell all types of alcohol, while a large number of private vendors at hotels sell beer.
There are limited numbers of private wine stores, capped at eight under provincial law. Hard liquor is sold only at government stores in urban areas and at private outlets in some rural locations.
The Opposition New Democrats said they are concerned the province may allow beer or other alcohol to be sold in corner or grocery stores.
"Do families, do communities, want their children to be able to go to a 7-Eleven, where there's king cans (of beer) in the fridge?" asked Adrien Sala, critic for liquor and lotteries.
Such expansion could put private store workers at greater risk of robbery and assault, Sala added.
Fielding said the Progressive Conservative government has no plans to eliminate government-run stores.
He also said the bill will include a more gradual approach than one the Tories introduced in 2020 and withdrew last year. That proposal would have fully opened sales of hard liquor in urban areas to private vendors.
On Tuesday, the government introduced a complementary bill dealing with the licensing side of the industry. It proposes to simplify getting a licence and to make way for more seasonal patios and stand-alone beverage rooms.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Israel orders new evacuations in Gaza's last refuge of Rafah as it expands military offensive
Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Saturday, forcing tens of thousands more people to leave as it prepared to expand its military operation deeper into what is considered Gaza’s last refuge.