Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reiterated his stance on the ban of American alcohol products at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), despite renewed complaints from former U. S. President Donald Trump. The ban, which was initially put in place last year as a retaliatory measure against tariffs imposed by the U. S. on Canadian imports, remains a point of contention between the two countries.
Trump referenced the LCBO ban in a recent social media post criticizing a new bridge being built between Ontario and Michigan, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, demanding the U. S. receive a larger share of the financial benefits. Ford, however, is not backing down. "It's obviously working, it's an irritant," Ford told reporters, highlighting the ban's effectiveness as a pressure point. He suggested the most straightforward solution would be for the U. S. to eliminate the tariffs on Canadian goods.
The LCBO ban, enacted in early 2025, involved the removal of all American-made alcoholic beverages from LCBO shelves. At the time, Ford stated the LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers annually. The move was intended to promote Ontario-made and Canadian-made products, with the LCBO also ceasing to offer American products through its wholesale catalogue to bars, restaurants, and other retailers.
Ford has indicated that Ontario should "double down if we have to" on the alcohol ban, though specifics on how the ban could be further intensified remain unclear. He emphasized that now is not the time to concede to Trump's demands, reinforcing Ontario's commitment to protecting its interests and supporting local producers. The premier also noted that Prime Minister Mark Carney had not raised concerns about the alcohol ban.
