Ontario Premier Doug Ford has made a strong statement, declaring his intention to remove Crown Royal from the shelves of the province’s liquor stores if Diageo proceeds with its plan to close a nearly 100-year-old bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont.
During a passionate address at a union rally, Ford pledged unwavering support for the approximately 200 workers at the southwestern Ontario facility facing job losses. He emphatically stated, “A message to all the bigwigs at Diageo: I swear to God, those bottles of Crown Royal are coming off the LCBO shelves.” Ford emphasized the need for unity, asserting that once the last employee exits the plant, the LCBO should discontinue selling Diageo’s brands.
Ford’s recent remarks mark his strongest stance yet on potentially instructing the LCBO, a major alcohol purchaser globally, to cease selling Crown Royal following Diageo’s late August announcement.
In a public display of dissatisfaction in early September, Ford poured a bottle of Crown Royal during a televised press conference, criticizing Diageo for its decision to close the plant in early 2026. He expressed his resolve, stating, “You hurt my people, I’m gonna hurt you. You’re gonna feel the pain in February when these people don’t have a paycheque.”
Diageo, known for producing various alcohol brands like Guinness and Smirnoff, cited the closure as part of efforts to enhance supply chain efficiency. Despite the proximity of the Amherstburg plant to the U.S. border, the company aims to relocate some bottling operations closer to American Crown Royal consumers while emphasizing that the whisky will continue to be processed in Canada.
The union representing plant workers has been advocating for the removal of Diageo products from LCBO shelves. The union’s president, John D’Agnolo, urged Ford to take immediate action to halt Diageo sales at the LCBO, emphasizing the potential financial impact on the company and the importance of preserving jobs.
Diageo has maintained its decision to close the plant, citing strategic realignment, and expressed commitment to supporting affected employees through the transition. D’Agnolo stressed the urgency of Ford’s intervention to safeguard jobs and underscored the significance of community support in times of transition.
As discussions continue between union representatives and government officials, the fate of Crown Royal at LCBO outlets remains uncertain, pending further developments in the ongoing dispute between Diageo and Ontario authorities.