March 6, 2014
Readers of my blog will know that I like competition, a lot (and that I like regulation, well, a lot less). While I make my livelihood from regulation (I am a lawyer after all), my view is that most markets are better off driven by the market not regulators – that’s just my view, and obviously there’s a lot of debate over where the regulatory line should be (and different considerations in different industries).
In the spirit of more competition, I’ve been watching (like a lot of Canadians) the newest debate over deregulation of liquor retailing in Ontario (see my earlier post: here). Well, less deregulation and more raised questions as to why there are so few players.
My view on more liquor retail competition in Ontario? Let Ontario corner stores compete in liquor retailing in Ontario (with safeguards) and open the market to let craft brewers and other small producers better compete. My view that there is “enough competition” in Ontario liquor retailing? Or that retailers can’t comply with rules to protect minors? Scepticism, to say the least. To me, markets should decide in the majority of cases, with minimal safeguards to protect other valid considerations (like minor safety related to the consumption of alcohol).
One of the newest developments in this, to me (and apparently a lot of others), very fascinating and important debate was an announcement earlier today that two Ontario residents will be producing a new documentary on competition and Ontario liquor laws. In this regard, several interesting summaries of their project have been posted (see e.g.: here). They have also produced a short initial video summarizing some of the key issues at play – it’s well worth a watch – see: here.
____________________
SERVICES AND CONTACT
I am a Toronto competition and advertising lawyer offering business and individual clients efficient and strategic advice in relation to competition/antitrust, advertising, Internet and new media law and contest law. I also offer competition and regulatory law compliance, education and policy services to companies, trade and professional associations and government agencies.
My experience includes advising clients in Toronto, Canada and the US on the application of Canadian competition and regulatory laws and I have worked on hundreds of domestic and cross-border competition, advertising and marketing, promotional contest (sweepstakes), conspiracy (cartel), abuse of dominance, compliance, refusal to deal, pricing and distribution, Investment Canada Act and merger matters. For more information about my competition and advertising law services see: competition law services.
To contact me about a potential legal matter, see: contact
For more regulatory law updates follow me on Twitter: @CanadaAttorney
Templates/precedents and checklists to run promotional contests in Canada
Templates/precedents and checklists to comply with Canadian anti-spam law (CASL)
