Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a directive to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to reverse its decision to discontinue paper bags. The move, announced by the LCBO in April 2023, aimed to reduce waste by diverting thousands of tonnes from landfills and preserving trees.
However, as of September 5, 2023, paper bags ceased to be available in stores, prompting concerns from consumers. Without the option of paper bags, customers were left with the choice of bringing their own reusable bags, purchasing reusable bags, or relying on free cardboard boxes provided by the LCBO.
Premier Ford’s intervention comes amidst growing apprehension from families struggling with financial constraints. In a letter to the LCBO’s president and CEO, Ford expressed his opposition to burdening consumers with additional expenses for reusable bags or forcing them to openly carry alcohol in public.
Furthermore, Ford questioned the environmental rationale behind the decision, citing the recyclability of paper bags. He asserted that the purported environmental benefits were dubious at best, casting doubt on the wisdom of discontinuing paper bags.
In response to Ford’s directive, the LCBO stated that it cannot yet provide a confirmed date for the reintroduction of paper bags but assured that further details would be forthcoming.
The clash between environmental concerns, consumer convenience, and economic considerations underscores the complexity of sustainability initiatives in the retail sector. As stakeholders navigate these challenges, the fate of paper bags at the LCBO remains uncertain, pending further developments and discussions.