What do Ontario residents want in the budget? More places to buy booze

TORONTO – Ontarians have given the government a resounding answer to the question what would they like to see in the budget: booze.

Residents were invited to submit ideas online then vote on them during a public consultation period that closed Friday. The most popular idea by far is allowing private retailers to sell beer, wine and alcohol.

Premier Kathleen Wynne has indicated changes to the alcohol distribution system are coming, but selling beer in convenience stores won’t be one of them.

The Liberal government tapped TD Bank CEO Ed Clark to examine the relationship between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and the Beer Store as part of a review of all government assets, and his recommendations are expected to come in the spring budget.

A plan to set up LCBO outlets was put on hold pending Clark’s recommendations, but a Progressive Conservative’s private member’s bill that would essentially create mini-craft beer stores and local wine outlets passed second reading this week with support of the Liberals.

Todd Smith’s bill would allow Ontario brewers and cideries to sell each other’s products and allow wineries to sell each others’ wines.