Ontario Government Will Not Sell The LCBO
Will Review Other Suggestions To Improve Beverage Alcohol System
TORONTO, July 18 /CNW/ - Finance Minister Greg Sorbara today confirmed the government's commitment not to sell the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), after receiving the Beverage Alcohol System Review panel report on the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol in the province.
"I want to thank panel members for all their hard work that went into the production of this report and its recommendations," said Sorbara. "This report provides the first major review of the beverage alcohol system in more than 75years."
Earlier this year the panel was given five guiding principles for the beverage alcohol system review:
- Safeguarding socially responsible consumption, storage, distribution
and sale of beverage alcohol
- Convenience, variety and competitive prices for consumers
- Maximizing value to taxpayers
- Ensuring responsible reuse and recycling practices
- Promoting Ontario's products.
The report recommends significant changes the panel says would increase value, convenience, and transparency for all Ontarians from the beverage alcohol system. The government will review the recommendations closely using the five guiding principles. However, Sorbara indicated that he would rule out a major recommendation by the panel to sell the LCBO.
"Let me be clear - we are not selling the LCBO," said Sorbara. "We will not turn the LCBO into an income trust. And, we will not permit selling of beer and wine in corner stores."
"It is our very strong view that the public interest of Ontarians is best served by the continued public ownership of the LCBO," said Sorbara.
