As you well know, COVID-19 continues to evolve quickly. We are all receiving a great deal of news, including the announcement of a provincial state of emergency. We remain committed to keeping you as up to date as best as we can on what we are doing here at LCBO.
By now you will have heard that we made the business decision to modify store hours across the province. Effective tomorrow (Thursday, March 19) we will operate between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. While we remain open, this is not business as usual. We cannot thank you enough for your support and partnership in our changing ways of working together and want to clarify a few additional items.
Trade Access to Retail Stores
Local producers who are already set-up to direct deliver product to stores may continue to deliver. However, any non-urgent retail store visits by members of the trade are asked to be postponed until further notice. This includes value-add application and product tastings.
Please be reminded that all store opening celebrations have been cancelled until the end of April at which time we will review.
Sample Delivery to Head Office
We are currently still accepting product sample deliveries at head office for NISS submissions, photography samples and lab analysis from Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please consult your category team representative if you are unable to deliver in this window.
Vintages Release and New Product Tastings
A reminder that all Product Consultant and Media tastings have been cancelled.
LCBO Quality Assurance
The QA lab continues testing services; however, it is possible to see some delays in chemical testing, label and packaging reviews (NISS). It is also possible that some delays may be encountered in responding to vendor inquiries, as we focus our resources on maintaining business continuity. We appreciate your continued understanding and patience.
Product Call Updates
The below tenders, please note that the Call Back, Sample Due, and Scheduled Tasting dates, will be deferred to a later date. Please continue to adhere to the pre-submission due date. We will communicate new dates, and update NISS, as able.
Wines - 2977 - Champagne – France
White Spirits - 2821 - Flavored Vodka
Brown Spirits - 2822 - Fall Seasonal Spirits
Beer/Cider & RTD – 3031 - Non-Alc Refreshment
New Products
We have heard questions regarding the production of new products. Right now, we remain open and are looking to future seasons. Like you are, we are navigating an unprecedented situation and will always follow the guidance of public health officials. There is always the possibility that we will need to make different business decisions, but if we do, you will hear it from us.
Sale of Data
Current expiring Sale of Data subscriptions will be extended through P1 and will continue to evaluate and adjust upcoming subscription deadlines if necessary.
Trade Day, Trade Show and Elsie’s Refunds
Those that have purchased tickets will be receiving full refunds this week.
Thank you for your understanding. We are business partners, and we all are also members of our communities. These are uncertain times for us all and in particular your families and your businesses. We will continue to work together, and your LCBO contacts are here to work through any considerations over the coming weeks. Take good care.