Manitoba Liberals promise to privatize liquor sales if elected

Liquor sales in Manitoba would go private under a Liberal government.

Liberal LeaderRanaBokharion Thursdaypromisedto make that moveif the party winsnext April's election.

She would adopt a model similar to one in Alberta, where retail outlets are privately ownedbut the government maintains control of wholesale distribution and markup, she said.

"This is a win for taxpayers. This is a win for consumers, for restaurant owners and a win for private retailers," Bokhari said."It will allow for more selection and better pricing."

Government liquor stores would be sold and employees would get loan guarantees if they wanted to purchase an outlet, she said. Liquorstore workers would be offered jobs within private system, she added.

Bokhari, who said the change would happen within the first year of being elected, admitted the move could lead to lower wages forliquor-store employees, who are currently paid above minimal retailwages and are members of the Manitoba Government and GeneralEmployees' Union.

"There's a possibility that [the workers]will be earning less money. I don't think that anyone would say that there's a chance that they won't, and let's just call it what it is, they very well may," she said.

"But for the bigger picture for Manitobans to have a greater selection, better prices this is the model that we've committed to."

Most liquor outlets in the province are government-run, although there are exceptions such as hotel beer vendors, rural liquor stores and a small number of private wine boutiques.

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Bokhari'sannouncement comes one day afterManitoba Opposition Leader BrianPallistersaid a Progressive Conservative government wouldnotprivatizeliquor sales.

The NDP government has long rejected calls to privatize liquor sales.

The government employees union has opposed privatization on a number of grounds, including an assertion that liquor stores would proliferate and booze would more easily find its way to minors.Bokhari said she consulted with stakeholders in developing a policy.

Some details of the Liberal plan have yet to be worked out. Bokhari was unable to say whether she would cap the number of private liquor stores or allow the market to decide.

The Liberals have one seat in the legislaturebut have risen in opinion polls since the last election.