With grocery stores in B.C. now able to sell wine, independent wine stores in the province are getting shoved out.
The impact of this has been felt in other parts of the province including the lower-mainland but not so much in Prince George.
The transition in smaller cities like PG could be tough according to Doug Bell with the Northern Lights Estate Winery. “From our perspective we are really excited about the prospects however, the transition to this will be tough and I think we need to ensure people are respecting the boundaries of our local economy and stores.”
One popular remedy like a one-kilometer buffer zone could remedy the problem.
“I think a buffer zone would do that in protecting independent wine stores but I think there are many more factors that need to be discussed to enable us to understand what is happening in the marketplace.”
Bell also wouldn’t mind if grocers turned the program into a much bigger venture.
“We would like to see grocery stores provide an extensive selection in B.C. wine plus grow their expansion into to the fruit wine industry which would be great for everybody and hopefully that is what’s accomplished long-term.”
Some people believe the move is bad for consumers who may see a smaller selection of local vino since many wineries can’t be found at local grocery stores.
In the Metro-Vancouver area some independent wine stores have seen a 30% drop in business forcing them to close and sell their license to grocers.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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