<P> With regards to distribution, TBS operates its own fleet and provides service to over 16,000 licensed establishments in Ontario . TBS also delivers beer to Beer Stores on behalf of brewers who may choose to avoid the high cost of self - distributing . Critics have stated that TBS does not provide any credit terms for licensed clients, forcing them to pay cash on delivery, causing friction between TBS and the hospitality industry . However, TBS does provide credit terms and flexible payment options for customers . Customers may receive up to seven days of credit terms . </P> <P> Critics say TBS constitutes a foreign - owned monopoly over retail beer sales in Ontario, costing the consumer more in the long run in terms of convenience and price . Critics also state that if retail beer sales were opened up, then the average price to the consumer would drop due to competition within the marketplace . TBS has argued that the price of beer will increase if privatization occurs and points to the situations of BC and Alberta as prime examples . In an independent report titled "Alcohol Retailing Deregulation: Implications for Ontario" by economist Greg Flanagan, it was demonstrated that the general consequence of deregulating the sale of alcohol is an increase in average sale price . Since Alberta's deregulation of alcohol in 1993, their retail alcohol prices have since tripled Ontario's (28.2% vs 9.2%). By accounting for tax differentials and comparing the average (non-sale) 24 pack cost of beer between BC, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario, the report concludes stating that Ontarians are well served under the current regulated model . </P> <P> The Beer Store has been subject to criticism following the Molson - Coors merger, whose 49% stake in TBS was the last 100% Canadian - owned share of the venture under the pre-merger Molson Breweries . In 2005, Ontario's alcohol laws were reviewed and proposals to allow the sale of beer in grocery and convenience stores were put forth . A report called the Beverage Alcohol System Review was released on March 24, 2005 by the Ontario Government . However, the report's findings dealt centrally with the LCBO and the economic and social impact of its privatization . </P> <P> An online petition was started by a private citizen, Derek Forward, to ask the provincial government to end the monopoly enjoyed by the Beer Store . The petition has received coverage in the Toronto Star, and has generated enough support to allow it to be formally presented to the provincial legislature in the fall of 2008 for consideration (petition No . P--146: "Practice and arrangement of retailing beer"). However, on December 9, 2008, the Ontario government dismissed the petition citing the effectiveness of the TBS system . </P>

When did brewers retail became the beer store