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jA2 - The Canadian Champion, Tuesday November 28, 2006 ' OPSEU members protest private Iiquor 'agency stores' By Melanie Hennessey CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Unionized LCBO workers protesting what they caîl "back door privauization" of its stores stopped by the Milton branch last week to, let residents know about their plight. In town for three hours Friday atemoon, a tro of LCBO staff handed out leaflets that say the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), lîquor board employees divi- sion is calling for an immediate freeze on the expansion of privately-run liquor outlets known as agency stores. "These stores are not run by LCBO employees," explained Marie Nunziata, OPSEU local 288 president. "They can be mom and popstores, and they make a 10 per cent profit (on liquor sales). That becomes a confliiet of interest for them." She said that since those running agency stores are per- sonally profîting [rom selling lîquor, they're less likely to, challenge an under-age or intoxicated customer But Ha<ton MPP Ted Chudleigh argued that îsn't the case. "They (agency stores) have a track record of responsible retailing," he saîd. He noted the agency stores are checked to make sure they're not selling to people they shouldn't be. And he said if they were caught, they'd be fined and their licence would be taken away. It would take away a lot of their income," he saîd. "Would they risk that? 1 dont think so." Nunziata noted that LCBO staff is trained to, deal with customers who are minors or inîoxicated, and at the Milton location, up to 400 or 500 customers could be refused each month. According to OPSEU, there are now close to 200 agency stores hosted by grocery stores, gas stations and other busi- nesses throughout Ontario, and Premier Dalton McGuinty has announced 20 more will open soon. \Vhile the agency stores started out as a way to service small rural areas, Nunziata pointed out that they're coming very close to urban centres now. For example, she said theres an agency store in Campbellville thats located just a short drive away rom the Milton LCBO at the corner of Bronte and Main streets. Its shocking that they do have these types of stores when they're supposed to be in remote areas," she said. Chudleigh contended that fôr a person who bas to keep driving from Campbellville to Milton to the LCBO, it might not seem 50 close. "Itfs a 15-minute drive. Its long enough," hie said. Overail, Chudleigh said hie feels the agency store program is a good one, and unless agency locations start setting up in areas where a regular LCBO could be supported, hie doesn't think they provide a 'back door' for privatization. Union members are asking everyone to support their campaign by writing to McGuinty who can be reached at dalton.mcgurnty@Ppremier.gov on.ca and LCBO acting chair and CEO Philip J. Olsson at philip.olsson@lcbo.com. The union is also getting people to sign posteards it had made that cail on McGuinty to freeze ail new agency stores and launch a full public review of the program. The post- cards will be delivered to the premier in April. Melanie Hennessey con be reached at mhennessey@-milIton- canadianchampion.com. ANyoPIVEý ALIFT? Red Crossnhlptoseineedgeto&ekaI apnhmels, ockAday prograns and ofleacMffl VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED CAÂL US 1M LUM IHOW YOUCM H"U. (905)875-1459 + Canadian Red Cross S~CTTEs WIntey iç Rnt Pïoof Y« eie SIQ00F I I AnyRBust Check Service. eu m tw atlm .< rI L 01 410 Industial Drive, Milton 905-875-8807