LCBO stays open as Ford shuts down non-essential businesses

The LCBO will stay open following the Province of Ontario’s announcement that all non-essential businesses must shutter, effective March 24.

Reason being, the LCBO is considered essential.

“With respect to the LCBO and its operations, there are many people in our community who have significant dependent issues with respect to alcohol,” Dr. Eileen De Villa said on Monday.

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“We have to be conscious of that fact and be aware that if it is no longer available, it would lead to health consequences. So, there is rationale for that service to be provided.”

Still, De Villa stressed that social distancing is important, and customers should not stand close together in line-ups.

“Taking the lead from public health officials, we have and will continue to implement measures that support the safety of our valued staff and the communities in which we live and work,” reads a statement from the LCBO.

Also, at this time, the Beer Store has not made any changes to its operations since reducing its hours and pausing recycling services last week.

The forced closure for businesses impacted by Ford’s new mandate will be in effect for 14 days. The province will release a list of businesses that are allowed to stay open on Tuesday.

“We will and we must take a steps necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Ford said.

“This is a very tough decision, but it is the right decision. This decision wasn’t made lightly”

Ford said as the pandemic changes, so must the government’s response, which is why more drastic measures are being taken.

The premier also noted that more details on the order will be available on Wednesday, March 25, such as whether compensation will be given for the businesses that will be forced to close.

The fiscal budget will also be released on that day.

“We will not lose this battle and we will get ahead of this, we must get ahead of this,” said Ford.

Ontario’s premier stressed the importance of “social distancing” and warned anyone who has travelled to self-isolate for 14 days.

“Do not, I repeat, do not, go straight from the airport to the grocery store. Go directly home. I can not repeat that enough,” he said.