Ontario’s finance minister is hitting back at grocery stores that have complained they are not set up to collect empty alcohol containers, telling them to get on board or give up the right to sell booze.

Concern from grocery stores has been growing for months as the requirement to accept and recycle empty cans and bottles approaches.

The change, which was announced when the Ford government liberalized alcohol sales last year, will mean grocery stores must soon offer the same deposit return options the Beer Store currently handles.

Groups representing the grocery industry have complained that they will not be able to handle the switch, predicting some may relinquish their alcohol licences rather than accept empties .

Asked about the grumblings at an unrelated event on Friday, Financ

See Full Page