OAKVILLE, ONTARIO - The Atlantic Convenience Store Association (ACSA) is fully supporting the Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) government??s proposal to increase the number of privately run stores that can sell liquor, CBC news reports.

In P.E.I., besides wineries, distillers and government-run stores, there is only one private store that sells liquor.

Mike Hammoud, president of the ACSA, said the province would likely realize increased sales and profits if it opened up the market.

"Typically the added convenience for the consumer results in incremental sales ?? at a fraction of the cost of what it would take to operate a full service liquor store," Hammoud said. "From our perspective it makes good economic sense because the commissions from sales and the additional sales of other products would help convenience stores stay financially viable."

Hammoud said convenience stores are experienced in the responsible sale of age-related products, citing tobacco and lottery tickets as examples. He said convenience stores would complement the existing network of stores without compromising jobs.

The ACSA represents 200 stores in P.E.I.