In a video message posted on X on Monday, Premier Doug Ford announced the release of the tech tool that allows Ontario residents to locate stores, other than the LCBO, selling alcohol.
“Our new interactive map shows thousands of convenient options where you can still buy beer, wine, spirits and other drinks across the province.”
The release of the map comes days after LCBO workers walked off the job prompting province-wide closures of the government-run liquor store. The announcement is stirring up angry reactions from many residents and city officials, who accused Ford of union busting and failing to address pressing socio-economic issues.
“While the Ford government wastes billions of tax dollars, schools need fixing, hospital wait times need attention, cities need support for transit, services & infrastructure, the science centre needs saving and people struggle to make ends meet. Yet, this guy’s priority is beer,” Councillor Josh Matlow wrote on X on Monday.
“You’re using public dollars to break a strike, undermine workers rights and to destroy an agency that generates $2.5 billion for healthcare and other services. But this app looks cute. Why didn’t you use this kind of tech to save lives from COVID19 or to find ERs,” one X user wrote.
“Can I get a map of where I can find emergency clinics that are open?,” another person said.
What about buying directly from the brewery or distillery? I haven’t been to the LCBO since they made deliver from online sales legal. It’s cheaper, more convenient, fresher product, and directly supports a local business.
Yeah if thats an option, but most things in a provincial liquor store are not local. Most spirits and wines are imported.