Front Burner Is Doug Ford’s $225M booze plan worth it?
Jun 3, 2024
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's $225M plan for booze in corner stores is probed by Ontario provincial affairs reporter Mike Crawley. They discuss the hefty payment, Ford's history with alcohol sales, ties to potential early elections, and the controversy surrounding the move.
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Cost of Convenience
- Doug Ford's push for earlier beer and wine sales in corner stores will cost Ontario at least $225 million.
- This is due to breaking a contract with The Beer Store 16 months early.
Short-Term Gain
- The Beer Store must maintain a certain number of locations until 2025 in exchange for the payment.
- After that, they're free to close, leaving taxpayers funding a short-term gain.
The True Cost
- Bonnie Crombie calls the deal a "billion-dollar booze boondoggle."
- She claims the true cost, including foregone revenue and rebates, is far higher than admitted.