The LCBO Will Stop Delivering Booze Through SkiptheDishes In Toronto
The LCBO has cancelled its partnership with SkiptheDishes and stopped delivering alcohol in Toronto after Premier Doug Ford stepped in and spoke to the retailer.*
A statement from Ontario's Finance Minister Rod Phillips emailed to Narcity said that Phillips and Premier Doug Ford asked the retailer to hold off on the program to avoid taking alcohol sales away from local restaurants.*
In a statement tweeted out on Sunday afternoon, the LCBO said that the decision was made "following direction from the Ontario government."
Editor's Choice: Even More Canadians May Be Asked To Repay The CERB Before The End Of 2020
LCBO's partnership with SkipTheDishes is paused until further notice.
LCBO
"Following direction from the Ontario Government, effective end of day today, LCBO's partnership with SkiptheDishes is paused until further notice," the release reads.
"We are proud to continue offering a safe in-store shopping experience and our expanded Same-Day Pickup option and will continue to look for new ways to increase choice and convenience for our customers."
The program had come under fire, and in an interview with CP24, Toronto Mayor John Tory called the program "ill-timed."
He said the province had made a "very positive" move to allow restaurants to sell take-out alcohol to improve their sales during the pandemic.
The LCBO and SkipTheDishes initiative was announced only two days ago on December 4.
It would have allowed customers to order from 15 locations in Toronto.
*This article has been updated.