Fort Erie LCBO locations to remain closed as focus shifts to supermarkets, online

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has walked back their plan to open select retailers across the province, which means all LCBO stores in Fort Erie will remain closed.

In a statement, the LCBO said it will be “re-allocating the personnel that were planned to open LCBO retail stores for in-store shopping” to online retail sales operations.

“This pivot means that we will be able to improve how we serve Ontario bars and restaurants to help increase product selection, availability, and expedited delivery.”

Alcohol is still available at the the approximately 2,300 private retail points of sale across the province, which includes the convenience outlets in Stevensville Garden Gallery (2821 Stevensville Rd.) and Netherby Variety on the border of Welland.

The Peace Bridge Duty Free (1 Peace Bridge Plaza) also remains operational.

The province also announced a change to allow ready-to-drink cocktails and larger packs of beer into some supermarkets, which will be available today, two weeks ahead of schedule.

The change regarding ready-to-drink cocktails is a sticking point for the striking workers.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents the workers, said the expansion threatens the LCBO’s future as a retailer and could lead to thousands of job losses within a few years.

In a statement, the union said it wants to see the province implement regulatory changes that will “protect public revenues and put workers, communities and Ontario small businesses first.”

The Ford government says they have no intention of reconsidering their plan to open the alcohol retail market.

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