Tourism association calls for end to LCBO strike as dispute harms operators

The Ontario Tourism Industry Association is calling for a swift resolution to the ongoing liquor retailers’ strike in the province, as the labour dispute affects tourism companies during their peak season.

On July 5, about 10,000 workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario walked out of work. The Ontario Public Employees Union, which represents these workers, said the province’s plans to expand alcohol sales and sell ready-to-drink cocktails outside LCBO stores were the main issue in the industrial action.

The tourism industry association said the strike – which resulted in the closure of LCBO stores – was affecting tourism and hospitality businesses due to limited product availability and slow order fulfillment and delivery times.

It says refill capacity has been impacted for larger operators requiring wholesale quantities and for small operators unable to order large wholesale quantities.

The association’s president and CEO, Andrew Siegwart, says the disruption to the alcoholic beverage supply chain affects many tourism businesses, including restaurants and bars, culinary tourism companies, and hunting and fishing lodges.

According to Siegwart, despite the uptick in direct retail, craft breweries, wineries, cider producers and distilleries are also losing significant revenue as they miss out on revenue from selling their products in the currently closed LCBO stores.

“Tourism companies are unable to offer their visitors the best experience during peak season,” he wrote in a statement.

“(The Ontario Tourism Board) calls on all parties to continue negotiations and find a solution to end the labour dispute.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2024.

The Canadian Press