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LCBO workers want to put a stop to more privatization

'We started about a month ago but across the province, we are raising awareness of how important it is to shop the LCBO'
20191019 LCBO info picket
Jamie Kensley, chair of the anti-privatization committee with the liquor board employees division of OPSEU, speaks to a patron outside the LCBO store on Worthington Street Friday afternoon. Photo by Chris Dawson/BayToday.

LCBO workers held a silent “Shop LCBO” information picket outside the LCBO store on Worthington Street in downtown North Bay today. 

They want the provincial government to put a stop to allowing liquor to be sold outside their stores.  Grocery stores are already selling it and convenience store booze may be on the horizon too.  

Jamie Kensley is an LCBO worker in Sudbury and is the chair of the anti-privatization committee with the liquor board employees division of OPSEU.  

“We started about a month ago but across the province, we are raising awareness of how important it is to shop the LCBO,” said Kensley. 

“When you shop at the LCBO the money you spend here is returned to the province and helps pay for health care, education, infrastructure, home care and so on.” 

Kensley says the big concern is safety, as he believes more stores with liquor means more access to it. 

“It is all about protecting our communities,” he said.  

“The minute you increase accessibility and availability, you are going to increase social harm and health risk. 

“LCBO employees challenge many individuals based on intoxication, second party purchases or underage and we are not worried about losing the sale. In fact, a lot of LCBO stores at the end of the day have baskets full of booze they have refused to sell.” 

Kensley says the government has already met with the Retail Council of Canada along with the Convenience Store Association about getting liquor into convenience stores. 

He hopes public pressure through information pickets like this one will force the government to change its stance.  

“We are fighting that at our level but what we are afraid of is this increase in saturation is going to be harmful to the community,” he said. 

Kensley also admitted that saturation could lead to job losses and LCBO store closures around the province.  

“This could result in the closure of some stores for sure,” said Kensley.


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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