Update: LCBO controlled entrance pilot cancelled

Updated Feb. 14: The previously announced (see original story below) LCBO pilot project to test controlled entrances at a limited number of locations has been cancelled following guidance from the Ontario Government. According to an LCBO statement posted on its website:

“Following direction from the Ontario Government, LCBO will not be moving forward with our controlled entrances pilot. We remain committed to working collaboratively on additional measures to reduce shop theft and violent incidents in our stores and to ensuring safe experiences for our customers and employees.”

More news on this story as it develops.

The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) is launching a pilot program this spring to test out controlled entrances at six of its store locations in Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout and Kenora.

According to the LCBO, these stores were selected because of their distance from other LCBO locations, allowing the organization to measure the effectiveness of controlled entrances on theft.

Theft and violence have been on the rise in retail. The Retail Council of Canada reports that retailers experienced a 300 per cent increase in retail theft incidents that involve violence over the last four years. “Theft is a serious issue that poses a safety risk for employees and customers working and shopping in our stores; it is a burden on police services; and it impacts our business and ability to give back to Ontarians,” said the LCBO in a statement.

The controlled entrances will require customers to present photo ID to security personnel at the store entrance. IDs are scanned to confirm validity, and that the customer is of legal drinking age (if unaccompanied by an adult) and has not been involved in prior in-store incidents. Customers that do not meet these requirements will not be permitted to enter the store.

“Providing exceptional customer and employee experiences is a top priority, so our goal is to make this new process quick and easy,” said John Summers, chief retail officer, in a statement. “While it may add a few extra minutes to our customers’ visit, we trust that this is a small inconvenience for a safer and more enjoyable shopping experience.”

The pilot will be monitored by the LCBO over the next 12 months.