Tories slam LCBO expansion plan

The Ontario government is preparing to open 70 new LCBO stores in the next two years.

But the Conservatives say it’s not a good idea given our debt. Tory MPP Peter Shurman says selling alcohol 24-7 in gas stations is the way to go. He’s pointing to a huge petition brought before the Ontario Convenience Stores Association with over 112,000 signatures as a sign of where the private sector can come in.

“Before rushing to spend millions of taxpayers dollars on new stores, why didn’t the government look at what the private sector businesses can bring to the market. They already run liquor stores all around the world, they let competition drive products and sales, and public funds go towards more important services like healthcare, and education or paying down the debt.”

Through the LCBO, the government currently runs over 620 retail liquor stores.

Video: News Now coverage: