Ontario wine agents are accusing the Liquor Control Board of Ontario of “unfair policies” after California wines were pulled from LCBO shelves almost a month ago due to the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S., while grocery stores and retail giants like Costco and Loblaws are still allowed to sell the products.
Agents say they are also frustrated by the LCBO’s lack of communication about existing inventory and shipments still in transit from orders placed before the ban.
On March 4, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the LCBO would pull 3,600 U.S.-made alcohol products from its shelves in response to U.S. tariffs, urging consumers to support Canadian brands instead. Other provinces have also followed suit as part of a broader national response to the U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods.
While the LCBO says it has stopped selling American wines to grocery and convenience stores, “the decision to sell through existing inventory is at their discretion,” it …