By Pete McIntyre

Wine debate could be uncorked in Vernon

Aug 15, 2016 | 11:29 AM

VERNON, B.C. — A familiar debate in Kamloops has made its way into the North Okanagan.

A Vernon businessman is calling on city council to not allow grocery stores to sell wine.

It may be an issue the city has to deal with at some point.

Steve Pauls, who owns the 30th Street Liquor Store and the Kal Sports Bar, says the province’s move to allow those sales is a bad fit for BC’s economy.

Pauls says industry studies show, when that happens, 70 percent of the wine sold is sold in grocery stores, which he says squeezes out small distributors, and forces local business to close.

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Pauls also wants council to implement a one kilometre distance rule for all future alcohol retailers in Vernon, to protect private liquor stores and their employees.

RELATED VIDEO: Kamloops council approves wine variance permit at Save-on-Foods