The plan to have customers show identification documents at half a dozen LCBO outlets in Northern Ontario has been shut down before it became a reality.
The Ontario government has told the Liquor Control Board of Ontario it cannot proceed with the plan called controlled entrances pilot project which was outlined roughly a week ago.
The idea was to have security officers greet customers at the front doors of six Northern Ontario LCBO outlets and request a valid photo identification containing the customers' name, date of birth, and a photo.
According to the information contained in a news release (now deleted from the LCBO.com website) the information would be shared with police if there was a safety or security incident with that customer while they were in the store.
The plan was to be implemented at LCBO stores in Kenora, in Sioux Lookout and at four stores in Thunder Bay. People who would not share such information would not be granted access to the liquor store, said the initial release
The news release said the concern was the problem of people entering LCBO stores and committing theft.
"Theft is a serious issue that poses a safety risk for employees and customers working and shopping in our stores; it is a burden on police services; and it impacts our business and ability to give back to Ontarians," the news release said.
But the pilot project is not going ahead because of privacy concerns.
Canadian Press reported that Ontario finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said there had been numerous concerns about privacy violations if the plan went forward.
The LCBO website posted a brief note where the previous news release has been issued.
"Following direction from the Ontario Government, LCBO will not be moving forward with our controlled entrances pilot. We remain committed to working collaboratively on additional measures to reduce shop theft and violent incidents in our stores and to ensuring safe experiences for our customers and employees," said the website.
A similar program has been in place in Manitoba for three years, implemented by the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries organization. The agency's website said the controlled entrance program has worked in that province to curtail theft.
"Yes. Since their installation, robberies have been virtually eliminated and thefts have plummeted from hundreds each week down to a handful. Surveys and feedback show employees and customers agree with our approach and are strongly in favour of maintaining a safe working and shopping experience," said the Manitoba website.
