LCBO scraps plans to open dozens of stores amid ongoing strike

Ontario’s largest liquor retailer says it will not open some stores during the ongoing strike, deviating from its original plan to reopen select locations with limited hours starting Friday.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) said in a statement posted on its website on Sunday that it would redeploy “staff that was scheduled to be used for in-store shopping when LCBO retail stores opened” to online retail.

“This change in strategy means we can improve the way we serve Ontario bars and restaurants to improve product selection, availability and delivery,” the company said in a statement. Further details will be communicated directly to customers.

“This means that LCBO retail stores will no longer be open for the duration of the strike.”

The company had previously announced that it would reopen 32 locations for limited opening hours after a 14-day strike.

About 9,000 LCBO union members began strikes more than a week agoThe Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents the striking workers, has called on the provincial government to either reconsider this part of its plans to privatize alcohol sales or compensate the LCBO for lost revenue.

Since Friday, talks between the union and the LCBO have completely broken down and there is no end to the strike in sight.

It is also the second time the LCBO has scrapped plans to open some stores during the strike. On Tuesday, the company announced it would temporarily close five stores to serve wholesale customers on Wednesday.

In its latest statement, the LCBO said it wanted to end the strike and called on OPSEU to respond to “our fair offer.”

Internal government and LCBO figures suggest that the province with a net revenue loss of 150 to 200 million US dollars per year as a result of changes in alcohol sales.

“The fight has always been about protecting good jobs and public revenues,” OPSEU President JP Hornick said last week.