Olive Crane is concerned about the existing private liquor store in Morell. (Province of P.E.I.)

The P.E.I. government will soon issue requests for proposals from people interested in running six private liquor stores across the province.

Tourism Minister Rob Henderson said while a decision hasn't been made yet on where the so-called agency stores will be located, they will be in communities that would be profitable and where there is a gap in service now.

There is currently one agency store operating in the province, in the community of Morell. The owner of that store will have to apply to continue operating along with all the new proposals.

That concerns Opposition leader Olive Crane, and she questioned Henderson in the legislature Friday.

"This person has owned that business in Morell and has been there for at least 10, 12, maybe 15 years or more. Employs seven people, seven hard working people," said Crane.

"My question to you, are you telling people that you have changed how you are going to be doing business, and never had the decency to speak to the owner and inform her first?"

Henderson said he has met with the owner. He said she has the same opportunity as others to put in a request for proposals. The government, he said. is trying to make its decision using a fair and transparent process.

New legislation is being introduced to allow for the new stores.