'If it ain't broke, don't fix it': Proposed liquor in grocery stores pilot brings mixed reactions

There are mixed feelings in Manitoba about a proposed plan to expand liquor sales and put beer, wine and hard alcohol on the shelves of retailers like grocery stores.

There are mixed feelings in Manitoba about a proposed plan to expand liquor sales and put beer, wine and hard alcohol on the shelves of retailers like grocery stores.

Barry Krueger picks up milk and other staples at the store, but he says something is missing.

“In the summertime, beer," he told CTV News. "When I cut the grass and I have a steak, an ice-cold beer is great."

He’d like to be able to buy that beer with his steak, and feels Manitoba is behind the times.

"I lived in Alberta for about 30 years, there you can buy anything at any public place," he said.

Earlier this month, the Stefanson government introduced legislation that would allow retailers including grocery stores to sell beer, wine and hard liquor on a trial basis.

Pat Schmitke, the owner of Morris Bigway Foods, would like to offer all three in his store and he’d be willing to expand the building to get into the booze business.