Creating a competitive atmosphere the focus, as Sousa discusses licensed grocery stores

The province announced last week it will grant licenses for the sale of beer in grocery stores across the province.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa spoke to Country 600 CKAT today (Monday) about that announcement.

He says this is all about giving smaller brewers better access to the market and that includes the ones in the north.

Sousa says it will have a positive effect on the northern economy.

Sousa says in the agreement both the grocery stores and the beer stores must provide 20% of their shelf space to craft brewers, which is 13% higher than the current accommodations.

He says the intent is to get a number of them up and running by the end of the year.

As well, the province will release their budget on Thursday, and Sousa says there will be a focus on the north.

Written by matthew.sookram@northbayradio.rogers.com