As the big reveal of a new set of regulations for the sale of alcohol in this province nears with the Liberal's spring budget, Ontario Craft Brewers are weighing in with idea for better representation of their products in Toronto and beyond.

The OCB "proposes the government allow established craft brewers the right to open at least one off site store per brewery, along with the ability to sell each other's products (cross
sell) in them, and in their existing on site brewery stores."

If that sounds familiar, it's because the proposal is very similar to one put forward by MP Todd Smith, which called for small beer and winemaker's to have the ability to own and operate off-site retail operations. Such stores would exist in addition to the LCBO and the Beer Store, but expand the reach of small producers well beyond the on-site outlets that they are currently permitted to operate.

The OCB notes that such a move would help to create jobs and bolster the burgeoning hop industry, but one doubts that it would take much convincing to get consumers on board with such a plan. What do you think? Should this be a part of new legislation related to alcohol sales in Ontario.