The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, July 5, edition that Liquor Control Board of Ontario stores across Ontario will close due to failed labour negotiations. The Globe's Mariya Postelnyak writes that Ontario Public Service Employees Union bargaining committee chairman Colleen MacLeod says the main issue is Premier Doug Ford's recent announcement that convenience and big-box stores will be permitted to sell alcohol starting in September. This decision to privatize liquor sales challenges the LCBO's role as a Crown corporation and alcohol retailer. The Globe says the failure to reach an agreement before a strike deadline is unprecedented. Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said that the government is disappointed by OPSEU's decision to walk away from the bargaining table. The LCBO said a strike would see all of its stores shut for two weeks while they adjust to a new operating model. After two weeks, a few dozen stores will reopen for shopping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with limited hours. Ms. MacLeod said on June 18, "Premier Ford is trying to sell us a bad deal, one that hands over more of the alcohol market to big grocers and convenience chains like Loblaw and Circle K."