To the LCBO, being socially responsible goes hand in hand with being one of the largest sellers of beverage alcohol in the world. 

Social responsibility has special importance for all LCBO employees because selling beverage alcohol is not like selling other products. Under Ontario’s Liquor Licence Act, LCBO staff have a legal responsibility to challenge and refuse minors (those under 19), intoxicated individuals and those attempting to buy for either group. 

Through the Challenge & Refusal: It’s not Personal. It’s the Law. training program, all full-time and part-time LCBO Retail employees complete mandatory comprehensive training about responsible service and related judgement calls. Staff learn how to deal with customers who appear intoxicated or underage, second-party purchasers (those buying alcohol for someone who is not legally entitled to purchase it), and difficult refusals at the checkout counter.

Preventing sales to minors is a year-round responsibility LCBO employees take very seriously. As part of LCBO’s Challenge and Refusal program, LCBO store staff challenged more than 3.6 million individuals who appeared underage, intoxicated or were suspected of buying for either group in fiscal 2010-2011. This marks an increase of 35 per cent from 2009-2010. Service was refused to over 192,000 people - 82 per cent of refusals were for age-related reasons.

Under LCBO's Check 25, another LCBO program, potential customers who appear to be under the age of 25 are routinely challenged to provide proof of age. This helps ensure that minors who look older than their years are not served. 

To further deter underage drinking, LCBO store managers appreciate knowing the dates of upcoming dances, proms, sporting events and other occasions when students might try to obtain alcohol. Store staff will often visit interested local high schools prior to proms to advise graduating students they are on the lookout for underage customers and individuals attempting to purchase for them. In some communities, high school principals and teachers have also accepted invitations from LCBO store managers to be present at the local store on prom nights to help deter minors’ attempts to purchase.

For more information, contact:
LCBO Social Responsibility Department
Tel: 416 864-6820
Fax: 416 864-2431
Online: www.hellolcbo.com