LCBO Scraps Proposal to Open 32 Stores Amid Ongoing Strike
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has decided to cancel the opening of 32 in-store locations on July 19 due to an ongoing strike by retail workers in the province.
The LCBO has been fulfilling online orders within a week and, due to this success, will redirect its staff to further enhance support for bars, restaurants, and other businesses.
As highlighted in the statement, this shift in focus will improve services for bars and restaurants in Ontario, including product selection, availability, and delivery speed, with more details to be communicated directly to these customers.
Therefore, LCBO retail stores will remain closed for the duration of the strike.
Over 9,000 employees of Ontario liquor stores went on strike on July 5, resulting in the closure of 669 locations across the province. This marks the first strike in the history of the LCBO in Ontario.
Negotiations
Discussions between the union representing workers and the LCBO have ceased, with disagreements persisting regarding the expansion of alcohol sales in Ontario between the province and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).
The main point of contention between the two sides has been the government’s decision to allow the sale of ready-to-drink beverages in convenience, grocery, and big-box stores later this summer.
While the union accuses the province of diverting profits from the LCBO to corporations and private owners, the government argues that it is a matter of public policy.
However, the union insists that the expansion of alcohol sales is a crucial part of the negotiations, as it could jeopardize thousands of jobs and provincial revenues.
Provincial Plans
The office of Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced on July 5 that the province remains committed to increasing access to beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages in convenience, grocery, and big-box stores later this summer.
Moreover, Premier Doug Ford has endorsed the province’s online tool to help consumers find alternatives to LCBO stores affected by the strike.
The government views this expansion as the largest enhancement of consumer choice and convenience since the end of alcohol prohibition nearly a century ago, aiming to elevate Ontario’s ranking in terms of alcohol retail store density.
Chandra Philip contributed to this report.