As part of Ontario’s response strategy to U.S. tariffs, the government of Ontario has directed the LCBO (one of the world’s largest purchasers of wine and spirits) to take operational steps to implement restrictions on all U.S. beverage alcohol sales and related imports into Ontario, effective immediately.
LCBO has ceased the purchase of all U.S. products, retail customers are no longer able to purchase U.S. products on lcbo.com and the LCBO app, and wholesale customers, including grocery and convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and other retailers, are no longer able to place orders of U.S. products online.
Furthermore, spirits, wine, cider, beer, ready-to-drink coolers/cocktails, and non-alcoholic products produced in the U.S. will no longer be available in LCBO retail stores or LCBO Convenience Outlets.
In-store teams are ready to help customers find alternative products from the retailer’s extensive selection of products from Ontario, Canada, and around the world.
LCBO is the importer of record for all U.S. alcohol products into Ontario, with annual sales of up to $965 million. Currently, the retailer lists more than 3,600 products from 35 U.S. states. U.S. products will not be purchased by LCBO until the LCBO is directed to resume normal business.
Multiple Canadian provinces seem to be following suit, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford saying “This is an enormous hit to American producers.”
This follows up on a story, posted by VineRoutes on February 3rd, indicating that a coalition of U.S. alcohol industry representatives, known as Toasts Not Tariffs, issued a letter urging President Trump to exclude wine and spirits from the trade dispute.
– with files from the LCBO Press Office
