to restrict the sale of ready-to-drink beverages in convenience stores when the province’s new alcohol-access rules take effect in September.
The union representing 9,000 striking LCBO workers has argued that the provincial liquor store should have exclusive right to sell spirits and pre-mixed drinks and has cited the government policy as one of its key reasons for walking off the job. Bethlenfavly pointed out that convenience stores will be restricted to selling pre-mixed drinks under 7.5 per cent alcohol content, a number of which are currently offered at the LCBO.Bethlenfalvy, who’s responsible for the Crown agency, insisted that he’s “very optimistic” about the future of the LCBO as the primary retailer for spirits and the sole wholesaler in Ontario.
On Tuesday, Bethlenfalvy sent a letter to the chair of the LCBO directing the Crown agency to “promote and prioritize Ontario-made products and producers” in its retail, online and wholesale operations.In that letter, Bethlenfalvy also conceded that the LCBO continues to make “meaningful financial contributions to provincial coffers” and that revenues and dividends “continue to grow.”