Free our Beer? Questioning the Logic of the OCSA – Part 4

But – is it good for business and the economy?

The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) would like us to think this issue is about what Ontarians want: increased convenience, modernization, economic benefits, and maturity.  But let’s think this through...

Ultimately, the issue comes down to two arguments: the economic benefits versus the impact of this decision on community health. 

·       Economically the case is made that selling alcohol in corner stores will open up competition, provide cheaper prices and more choices for the consumer.  When considering this point, it is important to note that even in our current alcohol retail market controlled by the provincial government, there is already an economic loss from the sale of alcohol.  The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse has calculated that the direct revenues from the sale of alcohol in Ontario are almost $500 million less than the direct costs associated with the sale of alcohol, including enforcement and health care costs.  So, how increased alcohol sales and the inevitable increased harm will provide an overall economic benefit for Ontarians is unclear. 

·       The population health impact of increased consumption can be immediate, such as injuries and deaths due to impaired driving, drowning, falls, fires, suicide, homicide, sexual assault and other violence.  Moreover, the health impact can be long-term and include certain cancers, high blood pressure, mental health problems, liver disease, and stroke.  According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is the second most harmful risk factor for disease and disability in developed countries including Canada. It is associated with increased health and social costs. In times of increasing health care costs, these facts should not be ignored. 

The OCSA wants to create opportunities for their members and this is commendable; we rely on the growth and development of our private sector for the overall wellbeing of our communities.  However, this very important decision with potential short and long term impacts must be considered carefully and must not be simply based on convenience. 

For now, the provincial government is reporting that they will not change the current retail system for alcohol.  This is good news.  But everyone needs to be well informed to make good decisions. Unfortunately the information the OCSA campaign is providing to the public and government officials is incomplete and could lead the province to take future action that will cause more harm than good.  If alcohol were a regular product, this decision may be a simple one. However, given the significant short and long term harms related to its use, alcohol is not an ordinary commodity.  It is the government’s responsibility to control alcohol access and related harms while minimizing the impact these controls have on our freedom.

Alcohol is undeniably a part of our social and economic fabric. We are encouraging communities to work together to consider what factors are creating an environment that allows alcohol to be used in ways that are harmful and how we can change things to ensure the health and safety of all Ontarians.