P.E.I. may allow more privately-run liquor stores

The Prince Edward Island government is looking at increasing the number of privately-run liquor stores.

There are now 19 government-run stores and one privately-run store.

Robbie Henderson, the minister responsible for the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission, said that opening more options could bring more revenue into government coffers at a time where every extra dollar is needed.

"Every department in government is going through ways that it can either save money through expenses or to try to increase revenues," he said.

"This is one of the options that's in front of us. But, at this point in time, we have not made a decision as to how far we may go with this."

Tourists have complained there aren't enough locations to get a bottle of wine or case of beer, he said.

Henderson said none of the government-run stores would close under a restructuring.

About $90-million worth of alcohol is sold on the Island every year.