The Beer Store, that jail-like in-and-out place owned by the big beer companies, is going to open what it’s calling Beer Boutiques. This would seem like a welcome departure from the charmless by-the-case outlets that have ruled beer sales in Ontario since ale was first brewed. In contrast to Beer Store locations, in which customers have no direct access to product and order it at a counter similar to a fast food outlet, Beer Boutiques will be self-serve stores with a more open and inviting appearance, as shown by the concept illustration above. Now, beer is a personal pleasure. But it’s also a huge driver of business. Would we like to have one of these places on South Bayview? No kidding. On hearing this news, many have said the Ontario Government should just go all the way and turn the beer sales business over to private enterprise. Others, like the readers of the
linked blog, think The Beer Store owners don’t know how to choose beer and thus the Beer Boutiques won’t be any better than the old beer stores.
Here we have a truly wonderful 1956 picture of the Leaside Fire Prevention Parade taken on St. Cuthbert’s Rd. approaching Bayview Ave. There are great features to this picture. The 1954 (we believe) American LaFrance ladder truck is a beauty. Behind it is a Ford station wagon with speakers on the roof that rival the size of the car itself. Amazing. On the right, parked outside St Cuthbert’s Church, is the panel delivery belonging to Badali Fruits. It appears, as family history has it, that the late Mr. Badali was making a delivery to either the church or Humphrey’s Funeral Home across the street. Those who saw this post previously, before a few changes, will know that we were confused about the location of this picture. A visit to St. Cuthbert’s Drive however cleared up the positioning. 
