The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Oct. 22, edition that Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is prepared to shake down the Beer Store in exchange for
maintaining the government-enforced monopoly it enjoys on most
beer sales. A Globe editorial says the Beer Store is not a government
asset -- it is a private, provincially legislated cartel, owned by
Molson Coors, InBev and Sapporo. Which, according to The Globe, is worse. Ms. Wynne is "absolutely willing" to
take a look at ideas like charging the Beer Store a franchise fee or
raising beer taxes -- costs the Beer Store would somehow not be
allowed to pass on to customers. The Globe says, "End the monopoly" has somehow
morphed into "milk it."
The Beer Store says its monopoly
keeps costs down, and prevents minors from buying beer and
harming themselves under its influence. The Globe says, in jest, a so-called Fast Food Store could
accomplish as much social good by being given a monopoly
on the warehousing, distribution and sale of all of the province's
quick service meals, which could be delivered through a hole in
the wall on rollers -- just like at The Beer Store. The Globe favours ending the Beer Store's monopoly.
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