LCBO — Local services in Toronto

ASHLEY NEEDS TO BE FIRED AND CHARGED

At the LCBO on Wicksteed Avenue, serious concerns have been raised about the actions of store manager Ashley Matallo. According to a December 2023 Rebel News report, Matallo refused to release a prepaid bottle of Glenfarclas 105 whisky to a customer, even after LCBO’s own head office instructed her to set it aside for pickup.

When the customer later visited the store to serve lawsuit papers, something that was recorded on video, Matallo allegedly called the police and falsely claimed she had been physically assaulted. Despite the video showing otherwise, the customer was arrested, fingerprinted, and pressured into signing a peace bond.

What has troubled many observers is that, despite the seriousness of filing a false police report, no charges were brought against the manager. Adding to the frustration, public salary records show she received an 11% raise in 2023, bringing her annual compensation to...

This is possibly one of the best retail experiences I’ve had (liquor store or otherwise). After some time looking around, I found the specific Rye I was looking and then what I believe was either the store manager or owner approached me. Now usually I don’t like to be approached when shopping, and prefer to ask for help only when I need it, but he fished for my interest first by simply mentioning a Bourbon he recommended, without pushing too hard. Only when I expressed interest, did he explain why he had so few bottles of the Rye I was purchasing (the culture around it, and how it was not as high in demand), why he had so many bottles of the Bourbon he was recommending (how he’d ordered a large quantity because of its popularity and quality), and so on. He was very friendly, had interesting information to share, and was all-in-all very helpful. May have to do more of my liquor shopping at this location...

This location is one of the largest LCBO stores. It has a great selection of spirits, beer and wine with a well stocked Vintages section that has tasting events throughout the year. This store also features a separate refrigerated room where you can pick up cold cans or bottles of imported and domestic beers, ales, lagers, ciders and specialty mixed drinks. I visited during the Covid19 outbreak. This store had a security guard at the entrance who ensured only a restricted amount of customers were in the store at any time. Lines on the sidewalk indicate the proper social distancing guidelines were in place for those waiting to enter. Inside the store there were also clear spacing markings for customers waiting to purchase. Also, there were many signs outside and throughout the store explaining the proper protocol for customers and staff to stay as safe as possible. Would...