Social responsibility

The LCBO was formed in 1927, by the provincial government, to provide alcohol in a socially responsible manner to the citizens of Ontario. 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 you had to peruse a list of spirits, write down your order and wait for a cashier to bring it to you in a nondescript brown paper bag. We still purchase from the Beer Store in a similar way.

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

However, we need to take more responsibility for our actions. This year alone, the OPP charged 57,000 drivers with alcohol-related impairment. And this number is down on 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 complementary non-alcoholic beverages to these DDs throughout the year.

Wassail started last weekend, and will run until December 7. In addition to the many tour buses and limousines I have seen 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.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
I had the opportunity to taste Broken Stone Winery’s 2014 Pinot Frais, created especially for this year’s Wassail celebration. The wine is made from estate-grown Pinot Noir, and is wonderfully fresh and earthy—with lots of red fruit and a touch of key lime. This nouveau-style wine is very refreshing, and is meant to be enjoyed now.

Winemaker Tim Kuepfer only made 20 cases of this seasonal treat. At $16 per bottle, it is bound to disappear quickly. Broken Stone Winery is at 534 Closson Road, in Hillier.