The Ontario Convenience Stores Association is making a push to loosen The Beer Store and LCBO’s hold on alcohol sales, launching the “free our beer” campaign.

The organization also released the results of an Angus Reid poll this week that show more than half of Ontarians would like to pick up a pack of beer alongside bread and milk at their corner store.

Sixty per cent of those polled said they’d like to see private retailers sell alcohol. The survey of 803 people was conducted for the group in February.

"Ontario voters are simply asking for more convenience -- like being able to pick-up some beer for their BBQ on Canada Day. That's not a lot to ask,” Dave Bryans, president of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, said in a statement.

In the GTA, 61 per cent of those polled were in favour of the idea, 34 per cent were against it and five per cent "don't know". Support was lowest in southwest Ontario -- 51 per cent -- and the highest in the eastern part of the province at 71 per cent.

Alcohol is sold in convenience stores in Newfoundland and Quebec.

The poll also found 48 per cent of Ontarians believe The Beer Store is publicly-run and only five per cent were aware it’s owned by foreign multi-national corporations.

The group cited another independent study released earlier this year that found that convenience stores “do a better job” at keeping alcohol away from minors, Bryans said.

The provincial Liberals loosened the province’s liquor laws this summer, allowing people to wander around with beer at festivals. Alcohol can now be served at special events until 2 a.m. and all-inclusive vacation packages can be sold in the province.

The convenience stores association has launched the campaign in an effort to sway the party that wins the upcoming provincial election.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak said he’d consider reinstating buck-a-beer pricing if he becomes the next premier.