President and CEO of Spirits Canada Jan Westcott, May 23, 2023. (Photo by Maureen Revait) President and CEO of Spirits Canada Jan Westcott, May 23, 2023. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

Spirits Canada wants equal access to consumers in Ontario

Representatives from the spirits industry are calling on the Ontario government to allow grocery stores to sell spirits like whiskey and vodka.

Grocery stores in Ontario have been selling beer and wine for seven years and the Canadian spirits industry wants the government to level the playing field.

"We are in a situation where products from other countries are enjoying better access to Ontario consumers that spirits, than a bottle of whiskey made right here in Windsor at Hiram Walker or down the road at Diageo in Amherstburg," said Jan Westcott, president and CEO of Spirits Canada.

Westcott said this access will impact consumer buying habits and eventually reduce the market share for spirits.

In March, the City of Windsor passed a motion stating the municipality would be a willing host for a pilot project selling spirits in local grocery stores.

To date, Spirits Canada has not received a response from the government.

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