Small businesses are demanding to be included in any expansion plans for the sale of beer and wine.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) wants to ensure small businesses are involved in any changes to alcohol sales in Ontario, amid reports that the provincial government is looking at allowing grocery stores to sell wine and beer.

“There’s no mention of small businesses,” CFIB spokesman Nicole Troster said on Sunday.

A recent Toronto Star report said the provincial government will auction off licenses to sell beer and wine in supermarkets.

The CFIB, which represents more than 109,000 small and medium-sized businesses across Canada, issued a statement saying it appears the government will invite “up to 200 large grocers to carry beer and wine at set prices,” while refusing to allow small stores or other retailers to compete.

To ensure all merchants have a level playing field, the government should provide small businesses with the same opportunities as larger competitors, said the CFIB.

“The fact that the only criteria for choosing actual grocers is size ... it’s discriminating to small businesses,” argued Troster.

Troster said she hopes the government will consider changes to the suggested criteria to allow small retailers to sell beer and wine.

“The reality is, if you go to a grocery store, you want to be able to pick up alcohol and food,” she said. Any store not given the chance to offer both would be disadvantaged, she added.

Premier Kathleen Wynne has previously rejected the idea of beer and wine sales in convenience stores.

Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid said last Friday that the province wants to improve the experience of buying alcoholic beverages.

maryam.shah@sunmedia.ca