Allow liquor sales at corner stores, Hudak urges

Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says that if elected premier, he would allow beer, wine and spirits to be sold at corner stores and is open to the idea of a full sell-off of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

Hudak, speaking to reporters Tuesday outside an LCBO store in Toronto’s Liberty Village neighbourhood, said he wouldn’t have the government abandon the booze business entirely, but would sell part of the LCBO or some of its stores, to the private sector.

Hudak said other provinces, including Alberta, allow the private sector to sell alcohol.

"The LCBO is a prime example of Queen's Park operating a commercial enterprise — from top to bottom — that should be exposed to private sector competition, enabling more consumer choice," he said in a statement.

On Monday the Tory leader suggested the province get out of the operational side of the gambling business, and throw large portions of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation over to the private sector.

Hudak said the province should instead concentrate on providing core services such as health care and education.

Hudak and the Progressive Conservatives have made previous calls to reduce the Ontario government’s control of liquor sales within the province.

Last year, Hudak lamented the loss of "buck-a-beer" sales in Ontario after the minimum price of a 24-pack rose above $24.