New poll shows majority of Ontarians support Beer Store ownership offer

Toronto – January 8, 2015 – A majority of Ontarians support The Beer Store's offer to open up ownership according to a new poll conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights.

The poll reveals that there is widespread and substantial approval for The Beer Store's offer, with a majority expressing strong approval for The Beer Store's recent groundbreaking announcement.

Yesterday, The Beer Store announced that all Ontario-based brewers have been invited to be owners of the Ontario beer retailing network. A new distribution agreement that was also announced means that consumers across the province will see their favourite beers from local micro-breweries in their community, readily available at their neighbourhood Beer Store.

According to the poll, 4 out of 5 Ontarians approve of the fairness of The Beer Store's open ownership offer with many Ontarians believing that it will be good for Ontario-based craft breweries.

The poll also finds that many Ontarians believe that the new changes will strengthen Ontario's brewing industry and that The Beer Store will offer a wider range of beer brands that better reflect today's beer marketplace.

The Beer Store is Ontario's leading source of brewery products and green jobs, employing over 6,000 UFCW Canada members who work in warehouses, on delivery trucks, and in more than 450 retail outlets throughout the province.