LCBO workers represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union held an information picket outside the Worthington St. store on Friday.

Chair of the Anti Privatization Committee Jamie Kensley says they’re against the privatization of alcohol sales for public safety reasons.

“The money that you spend here is returned to the province and helps pay for health care, home care, education and infrastructure. And we’re trying to raise awareness that if you shop at the agency outlets your money is going into someone else’s pocket,” he says.

He says employees challenge customers whether it’s due to intoxication of customers or being minors and they’re not worried about losing the sale.

Kensley says they’re concerned the same can’t be said for private outlets who he says are more worried about the profit.

He says there will be an economic impact as funds generated by LCBO sales go right to the provincial government coffers.

“We generated $2.1 billion in profits last year so if 10 % is going into someone’s pocket instead of the province I think that will absolutely affect the economy,” Kensley says.

(photo by station staff)

Filed under: LCBO