OAKVILLE, Ontario – A newly released study of Ontarians attitudes toward beer sales shows that seven out of 10 (69%) want to see more private retailers, like convenience stores, offer competition to The Beer Store. The study, conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, concluded that support for allowing private retailers to compete with both the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and The Beer Store is “widespread and strong.”

“This survey reinforces what convenience stores hear from their customers almost daily--people want more choice and convenience in alcohol retailing. They know that competition is a good thing, and there is evidence to show that adding competition to alcohol retailing in Ontario can actually boost LCBO profits at the same time,” said Dave Bryans, CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, in a press release. “And that’s not to mention the jobs that would be created with allowing more competition. Earlier this year one of our members alone promised it would immediately create nearly 1,800 jobs if alcohol retailing were expanded.”

Other survey findings include the fact that 61% of Ontarians in urban areas and 83% in rural areas were familiar with the LCBO Agency Store program where about 200 convenience stores in Ontario already sell alcohol. Seventy-three percent want to see the LCBO's Agency Store network expanded. In addition, 63% of Ontarians ranked the responsible sale of alcohol as a main factor in their overall experience when purchasing alcohol, while 46% cited overall convenience as key.

“The facts are that convenience stores can and do retail alcohol responsibly and professionally. In fact, we’re already doing it at 200 locations in Ontario through the LCBO Agency Store program,” said Bryans. “Whether it’s abroad, in Quebec, or right here at home, Ontarians have seen how convenience stores are responsible alcohol retailers.”