NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO -- The Ontario government has stepped in to cancel the LCBO’s controlled entrances pilot program that was set to start this spring.
On Monday the Liquor Control Board of Ontario announced six locations would participate in the new pilot program – including one store location in Kenora, one in Sioux Lookout, and four in Thunder Bay – which was touted as being safer for patrons and staff.
But today the LCBO press office said the government provided “direction,” and the LCBO would not be moving forward with the program.
"We remain committed to working collaboratively on additional measures to reduce shop theft and violent incidents in our stores and ensure safe experiences for our customers and employees," the LCBO statement said.
"At this time, we do not have any further information to share and thank you for your understanding."
The changes in entering various locations were supposed to mitigate the possibility of thefts that pose safety risks for patrons and staff.
In order to enter the piloting locations, an individual would have had to appear to be 17 years of age or older and present a valid photo ID.
The security vestibule just inside the front door would have scanned the photo ID and retained the customer’s photo, name and birth date securely on file for 14 days.
This information would have only been accessed if there was an incident requiring investigation, and it would not have been linked to any other system, sold or used for marketing purposes, the LCBO said.
The program was expected to run for 12 months and then be re-evaluated.
-- With files from Katie Nicholls
