Plenty of options for alcohol in West Nipissing

With more local retail options coming soon.

With the LCBO strike approaching three weeks, some may have finally run out of drinks at home. But here in West Nipissing, that may not be a big inconvenience for most.

The LCBO workers union has stated that the purpose of their job action is to put pressure on the government to change their plans of expanding alcohol sales in the province. The union was hoping to create a “dry summer” and rally the public to support their cause against the Ford government.

In West Nipissing however patrons still have plenty of options and do not have to pick a side in this dispute.

West Nipissing is home to two LCBO agency outlets that are operated by independent store owners. Riverview Market in Field and Chez Courchesne in Lavigne offer a wide variety of wine, spirits, beer and liquor and they are not affected by the latest strike.

No Frills in Sturgeon Falls also offers beer, ciders and wine and The Beer Store is still open for business.

LCBO’s website also offers convenient home delivery for all their products now. Minimum orders are $50 and the delivery fee is $11.95 but LCBO claims they are able to deliver products within 2 to 5 days.

More Options Coming

The biggest grievance in this strike has been the government’s plan to allow grocery stores to start selling ready-to-serve drinks such as coolers as well as full cases of beer beginning in August.

In a sign of confidence over their bargaining position the government has now moved up this new policy change to this week. As of today, grocery stores across the province can start selling coolers and full cases of beer.

By September, the government will also start allowing convenience stores to sell alcohol products. In Sturgeon, so far one store has applied for a licence. The Waypoint convenience store and Mobil gas station on Front street (formally Mr. Gas) has applied and expects to be yet another option for local shoppers in the coming months. We can expect other outlets such as Circle K (Esso) to follow suit.

Additionally, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario confirmed earlier this month that at least 17 North Bay convenience stores have been approved.

With no sign that the government is going to budge on their plans to expand alcohol, which could mean an extended strike for the LCBO, these added options will be welcome news for local shoppers.

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