LCBO

In the 1920s, Ontario ended its ban on alcohol, but decided to monitor citizens’ drinking habits instead—and it’s feeling the hangover of that decision to this day

Though it’s fashionable to complain about it now, the province’s liquor control regime has come a long way from its Prohibitionist past

The prospect of big chains being anointed purveyors is a continuation of the corporate hegemony that has traditionally dominated beer and wine sales in the province

A dispatch from Alberta: land of liquor-retail privatization

Why Canada can make wine that’s as good as any import, but not as cheaply

A strike that would shutter Ontario liquor stores during the May long weekend, and possibly beyond, could happen as early as 12:01 a.m. on Friday.

Members of the union that represents workers at LCBO stores — Ontario’s provincial liquor stores — have voted 95 per cent in favour of a strike.

“That number should send a pretty powerful message to LCBO management that their own employees are profoundly dissatisfied with the pace of negotiations,” Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), said in a press release.

OPSEU represents more than 7,000 LCBO retail staff, warehouse workers and head office employees. Their four-year contract ended on March 31 and the union says that the two sides have been in bargaining since February with little progress.

The news created some concern among Ontarians, who would be forced to buy their booze at the Beer Store (which only sells beer), should the strike occur.

The #Sens are riding a 5-game losing streak and #LCBO workers voted in favour of a strike.#NoNeedToPanic

What students are talking about today (March 28th)

Tamsin McMahon on how the province with a monopoly makes less money on booze

Sun News dressed a minor in a burka and sent him to the liquor store, for some reason.

Nearly every province mandates minimum prices for the stuff

“Spirit of Education” contest awards $3,000 for essay on responsible drinking