Manitoba Alcohol on Grocery Shelves?

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Provincial government wants alcohol to be available in grocery stores and Seven Eleven type of stores.

Manitoba, one of Canada’s provinces is run by the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party. It is trying to push bills that will enable grocery stores, beer stores, and places like Seven Eleven to sell alcohol. Currently, most people buy their cans and bottles from Liquor Marts controlled by Manitoba Liquor Lotteries (MBLL), a provincial government department.

MBLL also oversees the importation, pricing and distribution of not only beer but spirits and wines as well. If PC’s have their way, the product will be available at convenience stores open 24 hours. It will also result in more private alcohol shops.

The Party is living up to its DNA, making more money. It doesn’t care about social consequences caused by alcohol, and the fact that government ends up picking up the tab for health problems.

Andrew Smith, the provincial minister responsible for liquor said, ”We want to stand on the side of Manitobans, allowing Manitobans to have more choice, more convenience.” No. We did not ask for it. 

Why Liquor Marts should remain as they are

1. Adults have the right to drink themselves to death if they want, but they should not drink and drive. Liquor Marts prevent us from that foolishness because of store hours. We plan when to buy the product and how to spread it like sherry. The sherry glass is as tall as a thumb and you sip, not drink because it should last you an hour. That’s how British hospitality works. The smaller the better. If Seven Eleven and grocery stores are allowed to sell alcohol, we’ll throw that discipline out of the window, if we can run out after midnight and buy more booze, should we run out.

2. In the last few years, Liquor Marts accelerated security because of violence from customers. We’ll avoid them completely, if we can buy gin, beer and wine from Seven Eleven.

3. Liquor Marts want proof that you’re over 18. Teens will go to Seven Eleven and grocery stores to buy the product.

Manitoba PC’s are playing with fire, but the October election will decide. Alcohol outlets that will allow teens to circumvent the 18 years drinking age, or leaving Liquor Marts as they are.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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