OAKVILLE, ONTARIO ?" A new study by Angus Reid Public Opinion for the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) revealed 60 percent of Ontarians support allowing retailers such as convenience stores to sell beer and wine. The number increases to 67 percent among those who had shopped at the LCBO or The Beer Store in the 30 days prior to the survey.

"Ontario voters are simply asking for more convenience - like being able to pick"up some beer for their BBQ on Canada Day. That??s not a lot to ask," said Dave Bryans, President of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association. "When as many as two out of every three adults in Ontario support beer and wine in convenience stores, it will be interesting to see what candidates from all parties tell voters.

As a result of the findings, the OCSA is encouraging people 19 and older to visit freeourbeer.ca to register support for expanding soft alcohol access within the province.

"A separate independent study conducted earlier this year ?? found that a great many convenience stores are ready for the responsibility of selling beer and wine," Bryans said. "Convenience stores do a better job than either the government"run LCBO or foreign"owned Beer Store at keeping age"restricted products from minors."