LCBO strike: Industry group: Closed stores help to “secure” the existence of bars and restaurants

A group representing Ontario’s bar and restaurant owners said they were “grateful” that authorities decided to back away from a plan to reopen some LCBO businesses later this week to “protect” the inventory of “at-risk businesses.”

In a statement, Restaurants Canada said bars and restaurants are struggling to replenish their supplies during the ongoing LCBO strike because the products they need are either “extremely limited” or “sold out.”

“While we remain hopeful that the strike will end soon, Restaurants Canada has called on the Ontario government and the LCBO to make it their top priority to ensure they dedicate the greatest possible share of their limited resources to protecting Ontario’s vulnerable restaurants and bars, as well as the employees, suppliers and patrons whose livelihoods depend on them,” the statement said.

Restaurants Canada said the decision not to reopen a limited number of stores to the public this weekend shows its members “have been heard.”

“Restaurants Canada recognizes that limited resources will now be used to protect vulnerable businesses. We thank the government and the LCBO for their responsiveness.”

The LCBO had previously announced that it would reopen 32 stores nationwide on July 19. These stores would only be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with reduced hours. Over the weekend, however, the LCBO changed course and announced that all stores would remain closed for the duration of the strike.

“Over the weekend, we have been in close contact with the LCBO and government officials to address the challenges our sector is facing as a result of the LCBO strike. I am grateful to Premier Ford and Minister Bethlenfalvy for listening to our concerns and recognizing the importance of prioritizing our sector,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada.

“While it will not be business as usual and we expect ongoing challenges due to the strike, both the LCBO and the Ontario government are actively working to find solutions to the issues affecting our access to products.”

Restaurants Canada said a “new system” is now in place to give bar and restaurant owners wider access to products.

This is the second time the LCBO has scrapped plans to temporarily reopen stores. On Monday, the LCBO decided not to open five stores to allow bar and restaurant owners to purchase alcohol after the state-owned corporation said the union had threatened strikes at those stores.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents striking LCBO workers, said in a statement posted online that it “saw this announcement coming.”

“A key reason strikes work is that they are disruptive. The strength of our lines and our solidarity are clearly making an impact,” the statement said. “Without LCBO workers, the LCBO does not work.”

The union acknowledged the impact of the strike on customers and communities, adding that striking employees “want stores to open and work to resume as soon as possible.”

“Our members miss their regulars and want to get back to work. Ultimately, it is up to Ford to end this strike – he forced it to justify his hasty alcohol-everywhere program,” the statement continued.

OPSEU noted that the negotiating team is ready to return to the negotiating table once “it is clear to us that Ford and the LCBO are willing to negotiate in good faith.”

The union had previously accused the premier of undermining negotiations by publishing a map showing where alcohol could be purchased in other parts of the province during the strike.

OPSEU has said that one of the main points of contention at the bargaining table is the Ford government’s expansion of ready-to-drink beverages (RTDs) in grocery stores and corner shops. The union argues that this loss of revenue will ultimately lead to job losses at the LCBO.

Ford had previously stated that the province would not change its plan to expand the sale of RTDs.

“The Prime Minister must be reasonable and stop interfering in our negotiations. We were clear that our employer was told never to sit at the negotiating table with us,” the statement said.

“Instead of interfering in our negotiations, he should instead consider regulatory changes that protect public revenues and put Ontario’s workers, communities and small businesses first.”