Together We're Bitter

[ookpik]

Beer Store monopoly triggers legal actions 

The Ontario law that gives the Beer Store a private monopoly will be challenged in court at the same the time as a $1.4-billion class-action lawsuit against the major breweries and the LCBO is proceeding.


Michael Hassell, a lawyer and co-owner of Barge Craft Beer Distribution, a would-be independent retailer, has given the provincial government 60 days’ notice of an upcoming legal action before the Ontario Superior Court.

Hassell hopes the court will strike down the section of the Liquor Control Act giving Brewers Retail — the formal name of the Beer Store — monopoly status as the only private company allowed to sell beer to the public without brewing it on the premises.

His legal move comes as a class-action lawsuit filed by Burlington pub owner David Hughes against the Beer Store and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario was certified Monday and is moving forward.

also with respect to franchise fees:

Clark, the former chair of TD Bank, said last fall the government wants the Beer Store to pay a “franchise fee” to the government without raising beer prices for consumers. If they balk, he said that suggests they think monopoly is “valueless.”

“Then give it up and we’ll auction it off and see if people would pay something for it.”