Beer Store statement on signed framework agreement

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - The following is a statement from Beer Store President Ted Moroz:

We have now signed a finalized framework agreement with the Province of Ontario that enhances the policy the Beer Store announced last January of open ownership by all Ontario-based brewers large and small. Those changes have now been enhanced further, with independent Beer Store Board members and a Beer Ombudsman to promote even more fairness and transparency.

The Beer Store has committed to $100 million of capital spending over the next four years as part of our plan to enhance the Beer Store experience for consumers. We have committed to more space in every single Beer Store in Ontario being dedicated to small brewers. And we will continue to support small Ontario brewers with an increased number of free listings near their breweries and reduced fees at other locations.

The Beer Store has always been proud of its roots in Ontario as a retail cooperative that supports brewers and brings value to consumers. Through periods of evolution and change in the beer industry, we always operated under a policy framework set out by the Government of Ontario and we will continue to work with the government now under the terms of the signed framework agreement, details of which were originally released last April.

It recognizes the Beer Store as Ontario's low-cost retailer, offering value to consumers and as well as safety in our communities, through our ID25 program which challenged 3.6 million transactions last year. Our award-winning recycling program, which saves municipalities $40 million a year in Blue Box costs, has also been recognized.

The open and inclusive Beer Store continues to welcome all brewers to sell their products. On behalf of our 7,000 employees across Ontario, we also welcome consumers to our stores this Fall as we continue to evolve.

About the Beer Store
The Beer Store offers customers 529 brands, provided by 118 brewers. Approximately 1-in-5 brands come from small Ontario brewers. It is a completely open system that allows any brewer in the world to sell their brands in any store they choose. The Beer Store does not set prices. Brewers set their own prices independently in a competitive environment. The Beer Store is deeply committed to responsible sale and not selling to minors and people who are intoxicated. More than 3.6 million customers were challenged in 2013 alone. It is also one of the greenest retailers in the world and collected more than 1.7 billion beer bottles in 2012-2013 (a 92 per cent return rate) and 300 million wine and spirit containers (a 80 per cent return rate). The Beer Store Employs 7,000 hard-working Ontarians with well-paying full- and part-time jobs.

SOURCE The Beer Store

Bill Walker, [email protected], 416-624-3936