Cartels are just bullies. The Beer Store is a legislated foreign du-opoly, designed at the very cost to Ontario taxpayers. The power of the brewing industry would push local brewers at least into a competitive position. These are not from economies of scale or business efficiency, but plain legislation that the government creates. The victims are indeed the consumer, but also domestic wine, brewing and distilling industries, as well as any retail that might want to compete. Given that the LCBO is the single largest purchaser of alcohol on the planet, it is indeed significant.