Starting today, Ontarians can purchase ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and large beer pack sizes at 450 grocery stores, as the LCBO strike continues.
This comes as part of the Ford government’s plan to expedite alcohol sales to grocery, convenience and big-box stores. Initially, the plan was slated to allow beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails in convenience stores by Aug. 1, but Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced on Monday that the rollout would start earlier on July 18.
“Our government is keeping our promise to give people in Ontario choice and convenience while supporting Ontario-made beverage producers across the province, including the Ontario businesses that produce more than 80 per cent of the ready-to-drink beverages sold here in our province,” Bethlenfalvy said in a statement on Monday.
The expanded alcohol sales at grocery stores comes on the 14th day of the historic LCBO strike where over 9,000 workers hit the picket lines on July 5, calling on the liquor industry for better work conditions.
On Wednesday, the union representing the workers, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union’s (OPSEU), revealed it was returning to the bargaining table in hopes of reaching a fair deal.
“This round of bargaining is about what’s best for Ontario and our team is focused on the task at hand – we hope the LCBO management team finally is too. Ford never should have forced this strike and should rethink his plan that puts big box CEOs and billionaires before the needs of Ontarians, threatens good jobs and public revenues,” OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick said in a statement.
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Last week, the LCBO said it would scrap its plan to open five stores for in-store shopping for bars and restaurants amid the ongoing job action. The liquor corporation says it’s decision to do so was due to threats by the union to picket the locations.
Instead, it made the decision to offer online shopping for smaller orders with details to be shared directly with those licensees.
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As per the government’s plan, after Sept. 5, all convenience stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
After Oct. 31, all eligible grocery stores, convenience and big-box stores in the province will be able to sell these alcoholic beverages and in large quantities if they choose to do so.
