Some LCBO locations in Ontario will ID shoppers before they enter the stores

Some LCBO locations are rolling out a pilot project that will require customers who appear 17 years or older to show identification before entering the store–a move the company says could work to deter thefts. 

Today (Feb. 13), the LCBO announced that the pilot project, which will be launched at six stores in Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout and Kenora, was conceived in response to an uptick in thefts and violent incidents at retail outfits.

Citing data from the Retail Council of Canada (RTC) that indicates that thefts involving violence have increased 300 per cent over the past four years, the brand says it’s launching the program in the spring.  

“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,” the LCBO said in a statement. 

The retailer says the six stores were selected because their “contained geography from other LCBO stores allows us to measure the effectiveness of controlled entrances on theft.” 

As for how the pilot will work, the LCBO said stores with controlled entrances will require adult-looking patrons to present photo ID to security personnel before entering. 

The IDs will be scanned to ensure they’re valid, that the customer is of legal age if an adult does not accompany them, and that they have not been involved in prior incidents at LCBO locations. 

People whose IDs are flagged will not be allowed to enter. 

“Providing an 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 RTC said that a coordinated anti-theft blitz carried out by retailers and police services across Canada in September 2023 resulted in 498 people being arrested, 52 repeat offenders being identified and 28 weapons being seized. 

The council said shoplifting has increased across all sectors, with thieves targeting stores selling everything from food to footwear. The council said inflation and a “growing re-sale market for stolen goods” are some factors driving the increase in thefts. 

The RTC also sounded the alarm regarding an increase in violent incidents. 

“But there is also an alarming trend of repeat offenders and people using violence to commit their crimes, along with an increase in organized retail crime groups,” the council said on its website. 

In a news release, the LCBO said it has multiple measures in place to deter theft and believes the program will help the company explore another way to deter shoplifting.

The outcome of the program will be monitored over the next 12 months.