The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says the government will not change its plan to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores. The Globe's Laura Stone writes that this decision has been identified as a key issue in a strike which has led to the closure of the provincially owned Liquor Control Board of Ontario's retail stores. The decision to expand alcohol sales -- particularly ready-to-drink, spirit-based beverages such as coolers -- is at the heart of the dispute between the government and the union representing 9,000 workers. No negotiations are planned to end a strike that began last Friday. The LCBO announced plans to temporarily close stores from now until July 19. On-line ordering will be available and 32 locations will reopen with limited hours after the closure. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the plan to expand popular ready-to-drink beverages into the private market puts $2.5-billion in revenue at risk, as well as threatening the LCBO's livelihood as a retail operation. The government announced in May a plan to expedite the sale of beer in corner stores by 16 months, which is expected to exceed the stated $225-million cost.