Uh, monopolies are not illegal in many industries. And we tolerate monopolies in many cases, like public services like transit and police. Want to buy electricity? You almost always only have one choice, whether you have a public or private system.
Uh, are you comparing the supply of policing and transit and hydro to the purchase of alcohol?
Look, I agree there are many public
infrastructure or service requirements where government control makes sense, and for any number of reasons. The critical distinction here though is that alcohol is a consumer good, not an essential service, and I can't think of any consumer good that warrants government control or monopolization in this way. In fact, the outcome is the opposite where government interference in consumer markets has routinely led to poor service, inflated prices and consumer gouging. The story of cel phone service in Canada being an example that immediately comes to mind.
No, let's call the LCBO out for what it is: a tax grab. We should be countering the government propaganda on this issue, not supporting it. We need to change the social discourse once and for all.
And Ontario is not the only jurisdiction with a single outlet for liquor. Ever been to Quebec or Manitoba? Or Pennsylvania?
Your exceptions prove the point. Most jurisdictions have laws and regulations surrounding the sale of alcohol but Ontario's are among the most suspect and unreasonable... and is Pennsylvania really the jurisdiction you'd want to emulate on this issue? They still have 'dry' counties for crying out loud!
As for Quebec - which has a notoriously corrupt liquor monopoly - you can buy beer at least from the corner depaneur!
http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/tom-kott-think-the-beer-store-is-bad-check-out-the-saq
There are competing delivery systems for alcohol. You can choose between taking it home or consuming on site. You can get alcohol at the restaurant, bar or pub of your choice.
Are you serious? These are the only options you would advocate for? They're not even analogous. More to the point, why should a consumer's choices be limited in such an absurd and artificial way?
What's more, I'd encourage you to go and talk with bar and restaurant owners (local entrepreneurs and business owners by the way)... or visit the craft breweries or wineries in many of our counties. Talk to them about the frustrations and obstacles they encounter with the LCBO and the lack of recourse they have. These are already challenging and difficult industries to be in and they get next to no support from an Ontario government that is more concerned with taxation than with whether our local industries survive or not. Proud of local Ontario whisky? The Ontario government is taking a 46% tax on the profit
http://www.metronews.ca/news/toront...distillery-company-sues-lcbo-over-markup.html
How does any of this make any sense whatsoever?
@Tewder I would not disagree with anything you say really....but the pragmatist in me just realizes that this province already spends way more than it takes in in revenue.....and, as I said earlier, if the suggestion is we break up this monopoly then we have to figure out what expenditures we cut or, alternatively, come up with a viable plan to replace the revenue.
Simply saying that competition would generate economic activity that would replace the revenue (even in the face price lowering competition) is simply overstating the impact. At a corporate tax rate of 11.5%, privatization of alcohol sales would have generate taxable activity/profit of some $15B to replace the lost profit from LCBO ....that is just not in the cards.
I'm sorry, I can't turn a blind eye to corruption and consumer exploitation just because I'm worried about tax revenue. It's the principle here though in that your position - the status quo position in Ontario - sets the dangerous precedent that ethics are not important in our laws, policies or functioning of our government. Not good.
I've already pointed out the enormous benefits to our economy, restaurants and retail, and local businesses in opening the industry to fair and reasonable competition. This will fill in a chunk of any shortfall. The rest we will figure out, as other jurisdictions have.