A word to the wise

The LCBO was formed in 1927, by the provincial government, to provide alcohol in a socially responsible manner to the residents of Ontario.

As a Crown Corporation, it also had a mandate to make a profit. Since then, the LCBO has revamped its stores and become perhaps the largest purchaser and retailer of alcohol in the world. We have come a long way from the time when one had to peruse the lists of spirits, write down your order, and wait for a cashier bring the order in a nondescript brown paper bag. We still purchase from the Beer Store this way.

But social responsibility is still an important part of the LCBO’s mandate. They are required to ensure that all buyers are of legal drinking age, and are not in any way intoxicated. Last year, over 11 million persons were checked, and over 400,000 were refused because of age. The LCBO has also initiated many successful initiatives to promote safe consumption of alcohol— perhaps the most recognized is the Deflate the Elephant campaign that provides tips and tools to ensure responsible drinking.

However, we need to take more responsibility for our actions. In 2014, the OPP charged 57,000 drivers with alcohol-related impairment. And this number is down from previous years! As we draw closer to the festive season, I recommend that you always have a designated driver to ensure a safe drive home. I also suggest that County restaurants provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages to these DD’s throughout the year —as we do at East & Main.

Wassail begins this weekend, and will run until December 6. Last year, in addition to the many tour buses and limousines I saw driving around, local taxis and designated drivers were taking merrymakers from winery to winery so they could sing, eat, and quench their thirst without worry.

For more information, check out PEC wine growers Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/pecwine/