Dear Trade Partners,

To align with the best practices of the retail industry in theft prevention, the LCBO is implementing a new bag check policy, beginning October 10, 2022.

The policy applies to everyone doing work at a retail store, including all employees, trade partners, third party vendors (e.g. demonstrators who conduct tastings in-store), contractors and visitors.

When you are exiting a store, if you have a bag* with you, please open it for a quick inspection by designated LCBO or security personnel. They will not touch your belongings; it is just a visual inspection, and it will only take a few seconds.

Most big retailers have a bag check policy, which is used as part of the toolkit to deter theft. These retailers include Shoppers Drug Mart, Costco, Sobeys, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Indigo and The Bay.

The bag check policy complements the multiple measures we have in place that deter external theft, including security cameras, security guards, lockable cabinets, bottle locks, training for employees, increased investigative capacity, and working closely with police services. We also keep theft prevention in mind when we are designing the stores and product placements.

At the LCBO, we’re very proud to contribute dividends to the people of Ontario, funding government priorities such as health care, education and infrastructure. Every dollar lost to theft is money not spent on these priorities, and the LCBO has a duty to maximize our contribution to the province and deter theft from all sources.

The policy begins October 10. Thank you for your cooperation and continued partnership.  

  • Rafik Louli
  • Vice President, Retail Operations

 

 

*A “bag” for the purpose of this policy:

  • ·       INCLUDES bags (i.e., handbags, shopping bags, plastic bags, reusable bags, lunch bags, etc.), backpacks, gym bags, parcels, boxes, and packages which are larger than a standard sheet of paper (8 ½ inches by 11 inches).
  • ·       DOES NOT INCLUDE small purses, pouches, or bags smaller than a standard sheet of paper and/or any article of clothing (i.e., coats, sweatshirts, etc.).