Manitoba election: NDP eyes alcohol delivery service for people planning socials

The NDP want to make planning a social alittle less chaotic by giving Manitobans the option to have alcohol delivered directly to their parties.

If re-elected, Seine River NDP candidate Lise Pinkossaid her partywill introduce an alcohol delivery service throughManitoba Liquor and Lotteriesthat willsave Manitobans planning socials a trip to the liquor store.

"Manitobans love a good social, and the Manitoba NDP will make it more convenient for you to plan your party," Pinkos said Saturday.

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The NDP would also facilitate the creation of a brewmaster trainingprogram at Red River Collegeto helpspur the local craft beer industry, Pinkossaid, adding the party is also considering launching an annual craft beer competition.

"It's no secret Manitoba has some of the best beer in Canada. Our craft beer industry is booming and along with it we're creating local jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs," Pinkos said. "This will encourage even more people to come to Manitobaand join in the excitement that our homegrown craft beer industry is creating."

A Selinger-led government would also work to modernize Manitoba liquor laws, keep certain liquor stores open later, open more express outlets in grocery stores, as well as build more "growler bars," Pinkos said.

The Manitoba Liberal Party has promised to privatizeliquor sales in Manitoba if elected. The NDP stands behind a public model because it allows the province to re-invest revenue from alcohol sales into addiction treatment services, Pinkos said.

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"The Liberal plan to privatizeliquor sales is reckless and irresponsible without any regard for social responsibility or addictions treatment," Pinkos said.

"Between the Liberals and the Conservatives, we have now seen talk of privatizing health care, child care, social services and liquor, and the fact is that privatizationmeans cutting nurses, doctors, teachers and other frontline workers that Manitoba families count on."

Mike Brown, communications director with theManitobaLiberal Party, fired back, saying the NDP will"promise anything now."

CBC News contacted theProgressive Conservatives but hasn't received a response.

Manitobans head to the polls April 19.