News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 24, 2005

Are convenience stores the place to sell booze? Ontario floats the idea.

Recently, local experts in alcohol issues from Grey-Bruce attended a forum in Toronto called “Is Ontario Playing Spin the Bottle with Public Health & Safety?”  The Ontario Public Health Association and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health brought together leading international researchers to discuss the implications of alcohol privatization.  The forum was in response to the government’s formation of a panel of experts to review the sale and distribution of beverage alcohol in Ontario. 

Linda Yenssen, a public health nurse and member of a youth initiatives team, attended the forum and had this to say, “If the Beverage Alcohol System Review Panel entertains changes to the existing monopoly control of the retail distribution of alcohol in Ontario, the Public Health Unit has a number of concerns.   Our primary concern is to prevent alcohol-related disability and disease.  Youth are particularly vulnerable.  Look at the tobacco issue.  Today, convenience store employees willingly and routinely sell tobacco to kids they know are underage, without asking for ID.  Often the salesperson is a friend or peer of the underage buyer and is willing to bend the rules for a friend.  Why would alcohol be different?”

Alcohol is associated with over 60 disabilities and diseases.  The harm from alcohol is equal to that from tobacco and higher than that associated with several other major public health risk factors.

Chair of the Association to Reduce Alcohol Promotion in Ontario Pat Sanagan helped organize the forum.  Sanagan says, “The government’s panel has not included any health and safety representatives, even though the distribution of alcohol directly affects the health and safety of our communities.  If alcohol is sold in corner stores, it will be easier to purchase.  Increased access and availability leads to increased consumption, which in turn results in more alcohol-related illnesses. We know that.  As the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health put it, any change in the system of alcohol retailing should strive to reduce rather than increase harm from alcohol.” 

To address these concerns, the Public Health Unit has sent a letter to the Beverage Alcohol Review System Panel, as well as to local MPP’s and Premier Dalton McGuinty.” 

The Beverage Alcohol System Review Panel is due to release its recommendations in summer of 2005. 

For further information call Public Health at 881-1920 Pat Sanagan at (519) 797-1489.

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For more information:

Pat Sanagan

Chair, Association to Reduce Alcohol Promotion in Ontario

519-797-1489

Linda Yenssen

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-881-1920 Ext. 231