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“Our Ontario products are having a difficult time getting to market because of the monopolies that exist in the province,” whether it’s the LCBO, the small number of private wine stores or the Beer Store, Smith said. “Quite honestly the changes that have been made by (the Liberals and the Clark panel) aren’t going to do much of anything to help those Ontario breweries and wineries and craft cideries to grow. Enough nibbling around the edges, we need some real changes.”

That bill is now before committee, which the Liberal majority government controls. That means Smith’s bill has about the same chance of getting to third reading as the Toronto Maple Leafs have of winning the Stanley Cup this year. It could happen, it’s just not likely.

The simple change is something wine and beer groups pushed for years. Just imagine if Steamwhistle Brewery in downtown Toronto could sell other Ontario beers, or if Lake of Bays Brewery could offer cottages options from across the province? It would allow wineries to offer flights of tasting that represent a region, not just their own vintages.

But when asked about a reform they previously lauded, both the Wine Council of Ontario and the Ontario Craft Brewers were rather measured in their responses.

“This is a timely bill and we are thankful for the support we receive from all parties,” said Richard Linley, President of the Wine Council. “Our number one priority is to develop new retail channels for VQA wines in addition to the LCBO… We have been engaged in discussions with the Ed Clark council and expect to see progress on this priority soon.”