Province proposes private liquor sales at Manitoba retailers
The Manitoba government wants to allow private liquor sales in retail and grocery stores across the province.
Proposed changes to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act would enable privately-owned stores to stock liquor on their shelves as part of a five-year pilot project.
“As we continue to modernize Manitoba’s liquor retailing system, our government remains focused on increasing convenience for Manitobans while at the same time ensuring the responsible sale and consumption of liquor,” said Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith in a news release. “Allowing the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba to license retail store operators would ensure proper oversight and regulatory compliance, while enabling retailers to offer new products to customers that would help grow businesses.”
Meantime, the Manitoba General Employees Union (MGEU) thinks privatization of liquor sales is a bad idea, and will divert cash from the province to large corporations.
“Over $316 million in profits are generated every year from the public sale of liquor,” the union said in an email statement. “That money currently pays for important public services like schools, hospitals and highways. Privatizing more sales will redirect these profits to big, out-of-province corporations like Sobeys and Superstore.”
The MGEU said this decision will once again lead to more liquor thefts in our province. “With the secure entrances, our Liquor Marts have put a stop to the brazen thefts and violence. Manitobans now enjoy some of the safest liquor stores in the country. This bill will open the door to the liquor theft and violence problem in grocery stores.”
Details on the pilot project are not yet clear. The proposed amendments would determine when the five-year period begins, the proximity and number of participating stores, and display requirements for liquor products.
An amendment to the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation Act would also change the definition of a liquor store to allow more Manitoba retailers to be eligible for a liquor store license. Participating stores would have to buy their alcoholic products from Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.
The MGEU said the province already sells alcohol in Manitoba grocery stores.
“We urge the government to simply open more Liquor Mart Express stores like those currently located safely within many Manitoba grocery stores. That will ensure the safety and security of staff and consumers all while ensuring the profits stay in Manitoba,”
The province said these changes will bring Manitoba in line with other Canadian jurisdictions, where the sale of liquor in retail stores is permitted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978649.1722015109!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump's near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president's ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former president's injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Powerful cartel leader 'El Mayo' Zambada was lured onto airplane before arrest in U.S., AP source says
A powerful Mexican drug cartel leader who eluded authorities for decades was duped into flying into the U.S., where he was arrested alongside a son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, according to a U.S. law enforcement official familiar with the matter.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.