Ontario’s $225-million beer deal disrupts LCBO contract talks

Ontario’s deal to allow beer, wine, cider and premixed drinks to be sold in convenience stores, big-box outlets and additional supermarkets has thrown a wrench into contract talks with workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, raising the prospect of a strike at the provincially owned booze retailer.Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a deal last month to hand the Beer Store, which is controlled by multinational brewers, more than $225-million in order to liberalize alcohol sales this year. The changes could see 8,500 new places to buy booze pop up across the province.