LCBO strike: Grocery stores can sell ready-to-drink beverages starting today

Consumers may soon see an expanded selection of alcoholic beverages at their local grocery store as the LCBO workers’ strike continues to drag on.

Ontario’s 450 grocery stores licensed to sell alcohol are allowed to order ready-to-drink beverages and larger packs of beer starting today, meaning the drinks could start appearing on shelves in some stores relatively soon.

The province had previously set an Aug. 1 date for grocery stores to sell ready-to-drink cocktails, but announced earlier this week it was moving up that deadline.

Ready-to-drink beverages have been at the heart of the LCBO strike, with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union having already identified it as a key issue for its members.

Premier Doug Ford, for his part, has said he is not willing to budge on his government’s plans to allow grocers to sell ready-to-drink cocktails.

“If they want to negotiate on ready-to-drink beverages, the deal is off,” Ford told reporters at a news conference in Etobicoke last week. “Let me be very clear. It’s done, it’s over. The ship has left port. It’s halfway across Lake Ontario.”

LCBO outlets across Ontario have been closed since negotiations broke down and approximately 9,000 OPSEU members walked off the job on July 5.

Talks between the union and the province resumed Wednesday and continue today, OPSEU told CTV News Toronto.

Meanwhile, the province continues to move forward with plans to expand the sale of certain alcoholic beverages.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance told CP24.com earlier this week that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has issued licences to 3,153 convenience stores to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink beverages since applications opened on June 17.

Fifty-four other grocery stores have also been granted licenses.

“In less than two months, on September 5, the Ontario market will reach a new milestone, with all eligible convenience stores being able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. As the first segment of the market to be expanded, we are pleased to see so many convenience stores gearing up to offer more choice to people,” said Colin Blachar. “As the province implements its plan, the government will continue to constantly evaluate how it can provide choice and convenience.”

The Ontario government has already indicated that the LCBO will retain the exclusive right to sell spirits in Ontario, even as it allows more retailers to sell other alcoholic beverages.