Various alcoholic beverages. (Photo courtesy Can Stock Photo Inc. / draghicich)Various alcoholic beverages. (Photo courtesy Can Stock Photo Inc. / draghicich)
Windsor

Spirits Canada hoping to launch pilot project in Windsor

Spirits Canada is hoping the province will agree to allow spirits to be sold in Windsor grocery stores as part of a pilot project.

To help facilitate that, Windsor City Council passed a resolution that the city would be a willing participant.

Spirit Canada hopes the pilot project will test consumer reaction to the sale of spirits alongside beer, wine, and cider.

"It is remarkable that beer, wine and cider from other countries may be sold in Ontario grocery stores but, Ontario-made spirits produced by Ontario workers from entirely local agricultural inputs, do not enjoy the same opportunity. Through the proposed pilot, we hope to be able to persuade government to rectify this situation and provide equal market access for spirits," said Jan Westcott, president and chief executive officer of Spirits Canada in a letter to council.

Spirits Canada noted as the home of Hiram Walker and Sons, one of the largest distilleries in North America, Windsor would be an ideal location for the pilot project.

Beer, wine and cider have been sold in Ontario grocery stores since 2015.

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