Local MOH says grocery store beer availability will lead to more harm

Simcoe-Muskoka Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lisa Simon says allowing alcohol sale’s in grocery stores isn’t a good idea. Under pressure from commercial lobbies and at the recommendation of a panel headed by former TD Bank CEO Ed Clark, Ontario will allow the sale of beer in grocery stores and wine could follow. Simon says this doesn’t jibe with the well-researched link between increased accessibility to alcohol and increased harm. She says in other provinces where similar decisions have been made, alcohol consumption has risen significantly, resulting in heightened costs, illness and injuries. She urges you to contact your local MPP if you share similar concerns.