Derek Forward started an online petition 8 weeks ago to end the Beer Store. Since then it has attracted almost 6000 signatures, caught the attention of the press, and been championed by MPP Ted Chudleigh. On September 22nd Cudleigh plans to present Derek’s petition at the Ontario Legislature. Unfortunately the government doesn’t accept online petitions as legitimate (yo, 21st C folks), so Derek is asking for signatures in ink. So far he has around 2000 john hancocks. Not bad for 8 weeks of work!
This Saturday Derek is calling for a province-wide day of protest. He is asking Ontarians to collect signatures for three hours from noon to 3PM, if possible by setting up a booth in front of the local Beer Store.
Derek Forward outside of a Beer Store
According to Derek its best to find a Beer Store with an entrance giving onto a public sidewalk. These are rare since most Beer Stores have large parking lots in front, and as private institutions they can prevent people from campaigning on their property. With the right spot, a booth, some water, and a handful of petition sheets, you’ll have it covered.
If you don’t want to set up your own booth, here are some alternatives:
1. Print off a few sheets and carry them around with you the next few days, getting friends, family, and acquaintances to sign.
2. Give one to your local mom and pop store and tell them about the cause. The customers of the store can sign it.
Copies of the petition are available here. Print off as many as you like. They must be returned to Derek Forward at 2000 Appleby Line, Suite232, Burlington, ON L7L 7H7 before September 22.
August 28, 2008 at 3:19 pm
thanks for the info and the site. i wonder how long it’ll take before e-petitions are accepted, if ever?
August 29, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Governments are usually a couple years behind technology. Maybe 2011 or 2012? Maybe we should start a petition about that one, heh.
September 3, 2008 at 9:27 am
Well done! For all their supposed clout as a massive bulk buyer of booze, I still can’t find decent Belgian beers (the best on the planet, as I can attest having just returned from there for a beer vacation).
Here’s our take on the Beer Store oligopoly. Keep up the good work!
http://www.thesharkguys.com/2008/09/03/beer-drinkers-of-ontario-unite-sign-petition-to-end-the-beer-store-monopoly/
October 9, 2008 at 11:44 pm
[...] October 9, 2008 Beer Petition Has Been Read at Queen’s Park Posted by endthelcbo under Uncategorized Derek Forward’s End the Beer Store Monopoloy petition was read yesterday at Queen’s Park. The next step according to the rulebook is for the Legislative Assembly to provide a response. They have 24 days to do so – that means we can expect something by November 5. (If you haven’t been following Derek’s End the Beer Store campaign you can catch up here). [...]