Photo from Barrie 360
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has instructed the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to immediately rescind its decision to discontinue paper bags.
The LCBO had announced in April 2023 its intention to phase out paper bags, citing the move as a means to divert 2,665 tonnes of waste from landfills annually and save the equivalent of over 188,000 trees each year.
Effective September 5th, paper bags were no longer available in stores. Instead, customers were encouraged to bring reusable bags, purchase reusable bags, or utilize the free cardboard boxes provided by the LCBO.
Premier Ford expressed concern in a letter to the LCBO's president and CEO, emphasizing the financial strain on families and the necessity of avoiding additional expenses for purchasing reusable bags or resorting to openly carrying alcohol in public.
Ford also questioned the environmental benefits of the decision, asserting that paper bags are recyclable.
The LCBO has not yet confirmed when paper bags will be reintroduced but assured that more information will be provided in due course.
