FREDERICTON - New Brunswick's Crown liquor corporation should establish more retail outlets, be shielded from political interference and remain in public hands, says a review of the company released Wednesday.

The 73-page report released by NB Liquor issued recommendations intended to boost the company's position as a revenue generator for a province mired in debt.

NB Liquor CEO Daniel Allain, who led the review, said he hopes it will lead to an expansion that includes the establishment of niche wine stores, seasonal outlets during tourist season and privately owned agency stores in remote communities.

"It is not our focus or intention right now to sell or privatize NB Liquor at this time," Allain said in a phone interview. "However, we feel that more private sector development in the asset is required."

There are 48 corporate stores owned and operated by NB Liquor. It also has 73 agency stores in smaller communities that are owned and operated privately.

The report flags potential losses, estimating that about $12 million to $15 million of annual revenue is lost by New Brunswickers purchasing alcohol in neighbouring Quebec. It calls for a survey of customers close to Quebec to address that loss.

During pre-budget consultations, there was speculation that the cash-strapped provincial government would consider selling NB Liquor in an effort to address its projected $471-million deficit and a debt expected to exceed $10 billion.

If NB Liquor were sold, it might raise anywhere between $1.2 billion and $1.9 billion, depending on markets, the report said.

However, it also said NB Liquor contributed about $162 million to the province last year, and maintaining that cash flow is crucial as the government struggles to improve its finances.

"It's very important to the province to preserve these profits," said Allain.

He also said the era of political appointments for CEO and six other board member positions should end.

"We're advocating in this report that the CEO and the board appointments go through a rigorous competitive process," he said.

"We feel that to be a strong retailer with business-like practices we have to move forward."

He said NB Liquor faces political interference in decisions including where to locate a new store and how much to spend on the project.

He also said the company will try to drive down the price it pays suppliers for liquor, beer and wine.

The report is now with the government. Finance Minister Blaine Higgs did not return messages seeking comment.

The union that represents NB Liquor workers applauded the report.

"I'm pleased this asset will be protected for the future of our province," Martha Thompson, president of Local 963 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, said in a statement.

Liberal finance critic Donald Arseneault said the report still leaves open the possibility of the closure of NB Liquor's corporate stores in favour of more agency outlets.

"They may close the corporate stores they control and offer more opportunities for the private sector," he said in a phone interview. "That's a shift from well-paid jobs to minimum wage jobs."

The report was commissioned by the Tory government in 2010. Allain said it cost about $100,000.