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Spirits suppliers launch lawsuit against LCBO over pricing policies

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Numerous spirits suppliers under the umbrella of Spirits Canada have announced they are launching a lawsuit against the LCBO over the 2023 decision to penalize suppliers for non-compliance with contradictory pricing policies.

The group represents nearly 70 per cent of the spirits products sold by the LCBO, and nearly 35 per cent of all products sold by the LCBO.

Some of the brands involved include Crown Royal, Canadian Club, JP Wiser’s, Forty Creek, Bacardi rum and El Jimador Tequila.

Spirits Canada had initially threatened to remove alcohol off of the LCBO’s shelves over the issue in May ahead of the workers strike.

“As spirits suppliers, we have always appreciated our longstanding strategic partnership with the LCBO,” Cal Bricker, President and CEO of Spirits Canada, said.

“We are disappointed that we have had to refer the LCBO’s contradictory policies to the courts, but at this time, and amid retaliatory measures by the LCBO, we have been left with no other options.”

READ MORE: LCBO stores reopen across Ontario after 2-week strike by workers