Since I was just a tourist in Ontario, I am not as privy to the laws and regulations of beer and liquor in the provinces....other than beer cannot be sold anywhere other than restaurants, these Beer Stores, Ontario's LCBO's (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) and any other licensed location.
What I found when I pulled in for a quick case of beer for my vacation turned to fright (not really) and amazement. Upon entering, there was certainly beer....but not in a way I have ever seen it. There are stacks of cases, usually popular domestic brands in room temp displays, then door-coolers where you could get domestic, microbrews and imports, a large walk in cooler room, and a large list of beers on the wall apparently showing what they offer if you ask. I know right....?
But it was the constant sound of clanging bottles that was the strangest to me. There was a line, about 10 people deep, and more cars arriving in the lot - and these people bring their cases of empty bottles and place them on a conveyor to be inspected by the staff and the customers get their refunds on recycling the bottles. Nobody was there to buy anything....so odd.
Even more strange, this took priority over customers buying anything. I'm not sure how the other Beer Store locations are setup, but there was only one register to handle these returns and any new purchases. Seeing as it took about 10 minutes for only one guy....there were 9 left, we went elsewhere, and found a LCBO. read more