The LCBO says Ontarians will still have places to buy beverage alcohol in the event of a strike.
The LCBO and OPSEU, the union representing the workers, are currently negotiating a collective agreement and the union is in a legal striking position starting Friday, July 5 at 12:01 a.m.
“The LCBO has an obligation to be ready for any potential strike action and remains committed to providing the best service we can during this time,” the LCBO said in a news release Thursday.
The LCBO said in the event of a strike, it would continue its online retail services as well as offer limited in-store shopping (more on the in-store shopping part further down).
Additionally, the LCBO would continue to receive and fulfil wholesale orders so that alcohol will remain available through approximately 2,300 private retail locations across Ontario. These locations include LCBO Convenience Outlets — independent local retailers in communities that don’t have an LCBO nearby that are authorized to sell alcohol — as well as licensed grocery stores, The Beer Store, winery, brewery, cider and distillery outlets, as well as bars and restaurants. Furthermore, LCBO Specialty Services and Duty-Free will remain operational.
If the strike does happen, all LCBO stores will close for 14 days. Then, on Friday, July 19, if the strike is still on, 30 LCBO locations would begin to open for in-store shopping and operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with limited store hours.
LCBO.com and the LCBO’s mobile app will continue to accept orders for free home delivery anywhere in Ontario.
“Recognizing the impact of a strike on distribution and operations, the LCBO will need to institute reasonable caps on products in store and online,” the LCBO said in a news release Thursday, June 27.
The LCBO added that more information will be shared in the event of a strike.
“While LCBO would ensure continued customer service, it would not be business as usual. We thank our customers in advance for their patience and understanding over the coming weeks,” the Crown agency added.
More information is available at LCBO.com.
