jmcquown wrote:

> When John and I were in the Quad Cities area (Davenport/Bettendorf, Iowa and
> across the river, Moline and Rock Island, Illinois) we went to great lengths
> to find a liquor store. He was under the impression we couldn't buy liquor
> in that part of Iowa, and indeed, we did not see a liquor store. We must
> have crossed the bridges 3 times searching for a store he remembered in
> Illinois. Then one of his patrons said, "You do know you can buy liquor and
> wine at the grocery store just down the street from where you are staying?"
> Could have knocked us over with a feather!

They are few and far between here in Ontario where they are operated by a
government agency, the LCBO. The LCBO has a pretty good selection to choose
from. Being one of the largest single wine and liquor importers, if has decent
prices (not counting taxes) and a huge list of inventory. If something is not
carried by the local outlet they will order it for you. If it is in stock in the
Toronto warehouse you can order it. Orders in by Monday will be delivered by
Friday.

There is a controversy about privatizing the operation. They have allowed some
corner stores to sell beer, wine and liquor. As predicted by the opponents, the
selection at the small outlets is pitiful.