Phase-in of liquor outlets in BC grocery stores may take awhile
Posted March 19, 2015 11:21 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS1130) – With just two weeks to go until new liquor laws kick in for our province, we’re hearing the phase-in could take awhile.
Justice Minister Suzanne Anton hasn’t said how many liquor outlets in grocery stores we’ll see in the near future; she would only call the decision to make that move a business one that store owners would need to sort out for themselves.
But she does admit it may be awhile before the model fully takes shape.
“I hear rumours that some may be ready fairly quickly. But I think it will be fairly incremental and customers — citizens, you and me — will start to notice it over time,” she explains.
Anton has also addressed some of the criticism regarding changes to wholesale pricing.
“I think most of the players in the system — we’re talking about the retail side of the industry, not the consumer side — they are understanding the system and we’re working very closely with them in the branch.”
As for concern from California wine makers over BC wine being sold exclusively on grocery store shelves, Anton says BC is acting within its trade rights.
