Resolution Criteria

American alcohol products will return to LCBO shelves when the LCBO is directed by the government to resume normal business. Resolution will be determined by official LCBO announcements or Ontario government directives indicating that U.S. alcohol products are once again available for purchase in LCBO retail stores and online. Check the official LCBO website (lcbo.com) or Ontario government press releases for confirmation.

Background

As of March 4, 2025, Ontarians can no longer buy Californian wines, Kentucky bourbon and other American-made alcohol products as part of Ontario's retaliation against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. Approximately $80 million worth of U.S. booze was pulled from LCBO shelves and remains in storage. Premier Ford stated the move would remain in place until there were "zero tariffs" on Canadian exports to the United States, though as of August 2025, the province has no plans to begin selling U.S. booze in the near future, noting that the boycott will continue "until further notice".

Considerations

While Ford paused an energy surcharge in November 2025 as a show of goodwill when the Trump administration offered a meeting at the White House, alcohol at the LCBO will remain off the shelves until the entire tariff dispute is solved. The resolution of this market depends on broader Canada-U.S. trade negotiations rather than LCBO's independent decision-making.