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While LCBO strikes, Doug Ford releases alcohol retailer-finding map

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The Ontario government released an interactive map Monday to help residents find alcohol retailers across the province as LCBO locations remain closed during a strike.

The map currently lists more than 1,000 breweries, wineries, wine shops and distilleries, as well as LCBO Convenience Outlets.

This comes on day three of a strike for Ontario’s primary liquor retailer.

Thousands of LCBO workers walked off the job Friday after negotiations between the employer and their union broke down, and failed to produce a new deal before the deadline.

A primary concern is Premier Doug Ford’s plan to expand the alcohol market to allow convenience stores and all grocery stores to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has said workers are worried that this expansion would result in job losses.

READ MORE: Nearly 9,000 LCBO workers launch first-ever strike in company history

A report titled “Let’s Make it an Ontario-Made Summer!” released by the Ministry of Finance on Monday, says the map will help “consumers connect with local retailers and producers close to home during the ongoing OPSEU strike.”

According to the report, Ontario will expand the province’s alcohol retail marketplace sooner than originally planned.

On August 1, grocery stores that are licensed to sell beer, wine or cider will be able to sell large-pack sizes of alcohol and ready-to-drink cocktails.

The province plans to have every eligible convenience, grocery and big-box store be able to sell these alcoholic beverages by the end of October.

LCBO retail locations are expected to stay closed for at least 14 days, though convenience outlets in smaller communities will remain open, with online ordering available with product limits in place.

– With files from The Canadian Press

READ MORE: LCBO workers rally in downtown Toronto on day 2 of historic strike