The Ontario Tourism Industry Association is calling for a swift resolution to an ongoing strike by the province’s liquor store workers, saying the labour dispute is affecting the tourism industry’s busy season.
About 10,000 Ontario Liquor Control Board employees went on strike on July 5, and the Ontario Public Employees Union, which represents them, said a key issue in the dispute was the province’s plans to expand liquor sales, which would allow LCBOs to sell ready-to-drink cocktails outside of their locations.
Tourism industry associations say the strike, which has closed LCBO stores, is impacting the tourism and hospitality sector with limited product availability and slower fulfillment and delivery times.
Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) signage hangs at a closed LCBO store in downtown Ottawa on July 5, 2024. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
This is affecting the ability of large businesses that need wholesale quantities, and small businesses that cannot order large quantities of wholesale quantities, to replenish their stock.
The association’s president and CEO, Andrew Siegward, said disruptions to the alcohol supply chain are affecting many tourism businesses, including restaurants and bars, culinary tourism and hunting and fishing lodges.
Siegward said craft breweries, wineries, cider breweries and distilleries are also losing significant sales due to reduced revenue from products sold in now-closed LCBO stores, despite an increase in direct retail sales.
“Tourism operators are failing to deliver the best visitor experience during the peak season,” he said in a statement.
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“The (Ontario Tourism Industry Association) urges all parties to continue negotiations and find a solution that will end the labour dispute.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2024.
