LCBO Strike Impacting Tourism Operators

With the ongoing LCBO strike, TIAO is currently conducting a short survey to gauge the impacts of the strike on TIAO members. If you haven’t completed the survey yet, now is your last chance – click here to access it. The survey closes tomorrow, Friday July 12 at 11:59pm. 

Early data from our survey shows that: 

• The LCBO strike is impacting the operations of one-third of respondents. Half of respondents in food and beverage and festival and events sectors have reported impacts to their operations. 

• Common challenges reported include: product availability, restocking capacity (for larger operators and also for small operators unable to order large wholesale quantities), impacts to visitor experience, and issues using the LCBO’s wholesale portal. 

• While breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries are experiencing an uptick in direct retail sales, they are also losing sales through their LCBO channels. 

Supply chain disruptions resulting from the LCBO strike are already impacting operators, particularly small tourism and hospitality businesses already facing rising operational costs and labour shortages. With the summer season being a peak month of visitation for our industry, we are concerned about worsening impacts.  

TIAO urges the LCBO, the provincial government, and striking workers to continue negotiating to reach a swift resolution.  

Jessica Ng

Director, Policy & Government Affairs

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario