THUNDER BAY — After a sudden reversal from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario on Wednesday regarding its proposed controlled entrances pilot at six Northern Ontario locations, both local MPPs were asked to comment on the change.
Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland said he is still learning why the reversal was made.
"But from my basic understanding, it was just to make sure that privacy issues weren't a concern," he said.
Holland said he arrived back to the city last night from holidays and was made aware of the recent decision, but he still has questions about it.
"I intend to go back to the office today and get updated more by the ministry officials as to the details specifically about why the decision was reversed."
NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois for Thunder Bay-Superior North said she's happy the project has been walked back.
"Honestly, I don't know what their rationale was. Apparently, it's to increase safety, but a lot of people don't have ID.
"And that really makes me wonder who was it that they were trying to keep from coming into liquor stores? People shouldn't be criminalized for going into a business and purchasing whatever it is, in this case alcohol. There is no reason for it."
On Wednesday, the LCBO released a statement indicating they had received direction from the provincial government.
"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," indicated the LCBO's statement.
While not definitive, it's possible the pilot program could be reinstated with changes at a future date, which is something that would still cause concern for Vaugeois.
"First of all, those are questions that should have been addressed before it was even put on the table.
"We already know that when you use a card to buy something, we're being tracked. But nevertheless, this is a privacy issue to have to show ID when you go into a place of business. So if it's going to continue, they have to work out those issues. I'm not sure how they can be worked out, and it should have been done really before it was even on the table."
On Monday the LCBO 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.
The changes in entering various locations were supposed to mitigate the possibility of thefts that pose safety risks for patrons and staff.
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.
