Free our Beer? Questioning the Logic of the OCSA – Part 3

Convenience and Modernization?

Well, the LCBO strike has been averted and all is well for those wishing to purchase alcohol for the Victoria Day weekend.  You may be wondering whether it is all worth the bother.  If alcohol were just available in corner stores, we could purchase what we want when we want it, and wouldn't have to worry about stores closing on a long weekend.

Let's continue to examine this issue further.  One of the Ontario Convenience Store Association’s (OCSA) main messages is that Ontarians have inadequate access to purchasing alcohol and that there have been no changes to how alcohol is sold in Ontario since 1927. They believe there is a need to modernize how we access and buy alcohol.  The sale of alcohol through government controlled outlets did begin with many tight controls, and very limited access. But in more recent years a number of changes to liquor laws in Ontario have in fact increased access to alcohol.

·    Licensed delivery services are permitted to purchase and deliver alcohol to people’s homes.

·    Alcohol is available for purchase in Ontario wine outlets, and LCBO Agency Store locations in smaller, rural communities. 

·    A planned expansion of 70 new full scale LCBO locations will add more access and convenience.

·    A pilot project will see 10 LCBO express outlets located in grocery stores.

·    Recent changes to the Liquor License Act allow for changes to where alcohol can be consumed at licensed community events, as well as for all inclusive vacations in Ontario that include alcohol. 

In terms of retail outlets, Kingston currently has four LCBOs, four Beer Stores, and eight wine retail locations - 14 outlets in all.  If all 75 convenience stores in Kingston became licensed to sell alcohol, this would represent more than a fivefold increase in locations that sell alcohol in the city of Kingston.   According to MADD Canada, Ontario has about 1,000 LCBO and Beer Store locations.  The estimated ratio of convenience stores to LCBO and Beer Store locations is 7 to 1, which would translate to an additional 7000 community locations where wine and beer may be purchased. 

The OCSA’s argument for increased access sounds simple and enticing.  After all, who doesn’t want more modern laws and more convenience?  The question to consider is “what will the consequences be?” Increased access to alcohol is known to lead to increased consumption, which can lead to increased harm to the drinker, to innocent bystanders, and the community.

Next week we will conclude this 4 part series with a look at the economic and health outcomes that would come with increased access to alcohol.