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 News & Updates

Read Media Advisory Regarding Liquor Mart Controlled Entrances (November 27, 2019)

Read Statement from Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Regarding Controlled Entrances at Liquor Marts (November 21, 2019) 

Read the Statement from Manny Atwal, President & CEO Regarding Serious Incident at Tyndall Market Liquor Mart (November 20, 2019)

Week of November 25 – December 1

  • We are pleased to see that both our loss prevention team and other local law enforcement agencies are keeping thieves on their toes with another 12 arrests last week.

Week of November 11-17 and November 18-24

  • Law enforcement agencies across Manitoba and our own team of loss prevention officers continue to put up impressive arrest numbers in the last two weeks; all told, 56 individuals were arrested who have been involved in more than 900 incidents.


The following individuals have been arrested and charged for criminal offenses occurring at Liquor Mart stores:

50 most recent arrests

Name Age Multiple Incidents
Peter Harrison 63 Y
Quentin Ryan Harper 33 N
Nick Andrew Langan 35 Y
Edward Joseph Comber 48 Y
Tanya Simmons 41 N
Harry Gibbons 35 N
Francis West 31 Y
AJ Desmerais 19 Y
Abbas Vfaefar 48 Y
Navneet Gill 38 N
Racheal Becker 32 N
Nathaniel Genaille 21 N
Jennifer Clarke 31 N
Joey Robertson Lecoy 23 N
Morton D Disbrowe 49 Y
Herman Redhead 22 N
Lisa Catcheway-Kopichanski 44 Y
Gabriel Ibarra 31 Y
Dwayne Williams 40 Y
Marvella Anderson 35 Y
Brian Bird 35 Y
Harvey Franklin 24 Y
Rudy Daniels 21 N
Terri-Lee Harper 27 N
Damien Sinclair 36 Y
Daniel George Drewitt 34 N
Aaron Braiden Joseph Beaupre 18 Y
Garius Owens 29 N
Samson Owen 25 Y
Clarissa Moore 33 N
Aaron Hill 31 Y
Avery Gagnon 21 Y
Devon Murray Ducharme 34 Y
Lionel Young 34 Y
James Lawrence Belmore 36 Y
Cody Ryan Cook 25 Y
Zelda McDougall 31 Y
Amos Kenneth Keno 31 Y
Douglas Joseph Parisien 30 Y
Christopher Adam Ross 31 Y
Steve Joseph McKay 19 Y
Keesha Alana Munroe 23 N
Justine Beardy 23 N
Elizabeth Robinson 23 Y
Alex Hudson 21 N
Bryttany Ballantyne 22 Y
Ervin Kilburne 23 Y
Ashley Veria Harper 28 Y
Stacy Woods 37 Y
Jasmine Sadie Owen 21 Y

This list is updated monthly.

 

 New Liquor Mart Security

Controlled Entrances

          

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Controlled Entrances FAQs

No. Liquor & Lotteries had already started construction of the controlled entrance when the incident took place. This new security measure was being arranged several weeks earlier.

We said last spring that we would try many different measures to see which combinations might be effective. While some have worked to some degree, nothing has been able to demonstrably stem the number and frequency of the thefts and robberies.  We did not want to have to take such drastic measures – but we have no choice.

The loss prevention officers have been quite effective at making arrests but as the police have stated, we can’t arrest our way out of this. Loss prevention officers are only one tool in our kit. We are now focused on preventing the thieves from entering our stores.

Liquor Marts have a longstanding reputation for offering a great shopping experience with excellent customer service. This begins with customers and employees feeling safe. We’ve heard from customers and employees that they don’t feel safe anymore. Controlled entrances are one of the steps that we’re taking to reclaim that safety.

Controlled entrances are coming to all Winnipeg Liquor Marts and Liquor Mart Express stores over the coming months.

This issue is mostly limited to our Winnipeg stores. If warranted, measures may extend to other Liquor Mart locations.

These risks already exist today. It’s important that customers remain aware of their surrounding no matter where they are shopping.

 

Photo ID and Security at Controlled Entrance Liquor Marts FAQs

The first controlled entrance will be in use starting Wednesday, November 27. Once a location has a controlled entrance, all customers must show valid photo identification at the entrance. The ID will be scanned before the customer is allowed into the store. In the coming weeks and months, controlled entrances will be rolled out to all Winnipeg Liquor Marts. 

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is committed to providing our employees and customers a safe working and shopping experience. ID is a deterrent to would-be thieves who do not want their identity known. It also helps law enforcement in the event of an incident.

When we scan your ID, we are making sure your photo ID is legitimate (not fake), valid (not expired), and that you are 18 or older.

The information collected is held on site for 24 hours and then automatically deleted unless it is required for law enforcement purposes.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) allows Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries to collect information for law enforcement purposes or crime prevention.

Liquor & Lotteries will manage, store and protect your scanned photo ID according to the Manitoba Ombudsman’s guidelines on privacy and surveillance. Your scanned photo ID will not be released to any third-party except for law enforcement purposes.

The same forms of ID that are already accepted for proof of age are accepted for entry at the security station. These include:
  • Driver’s Licence issued in Manitoba or another jurisdiction
  • Enhanced Driver’s Licence issued in Manitoba or another jurisdiction
  • Manitoba Identification Card
  • Manitoba Enhanced Identification Card
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status
  • Passport

Alternatively, two forms of government-issued identification may be shown, one of which must be photo ID. Examples include:

  • Certificate of Indian Status
  • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Canadian Firearms Licence
  • Canadian Forces Identification Card (National Defence)
  • Nexus Card

No minors are permitted in Liquor Marts that have controlled entrances. This includes small children, even if they are with their parent or guardian.

Only people who are legally able to consume our products will be allowed in a store with a controlled entrance.

It is impossible for security guards to quickly and easily determine or make decisions regarding what is an appropriate age for minors to enter, and we are unable to ID minors to prove their age. For this reason, we have decided to remove access for all minors.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to improve safety at our stores. 

Customers will begin to see the security station under construction one to two weeks before the new entrance rules take effect. We recommend you start carrying your photo ID with you if you don’t already.

Please email your concerns to privacy.compliance@mbll.ca.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries uses security and anti-theft strategies that are on-par with not only other Canadian Liquor jurisdictions, but major private retailers across Canada. While many of these tactics are visible, including security guards, surveillance cameras & video displays, bottle locks, active alarm pedestals, dummy bottles, product display cards, and lockable shelf cases; others cannot be easily seen by the public. Our corporate Investigation and Surveillance teams work closely with the Winnipeg Police Service, and this, coupled with the presence of WPS Special Duty Constables and our own Loss Prevention Officer Team, has led to the identification and arrest of hundreds of individuals. We continue to diligently analyze and explore all options in addressing this issue.

Each week, a significant number of individuals are arrested and charged in conjunction with Liquor Mart thefts.  Since the escalation of incidents in 2018, over 450 individuals have been arrested for thefts/robberies at Liquor Marts - many for multiple incidents - and that number continues to grow daily.

While we continue to deploy WPS Special Duty Constables in Liquor Marts, in early October, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries’ internal Loss Prevention Officer team also began working in Winnipeg stores. Members of the team have extensive law enforcement and law prevention backgrounds and in their first four weeks were responsible for 33 arrests, including three individuals responsible for a combined 322 thefts, and the recovery of thousands of dollars in product.

The current trend of brazen thefts is not isolated to Winnipeg Liquor Marts. Other local retailers, including grocery and department stores, are also experiencing high rates of theft at their businesses. Earlier this fall, Maclean’s magazine profiled the trend of meat thefts in Winnipeg, and the Retail Council of Canada has noted that downtown Winnipeg’s theft rate is triple (4-5%) that of the national average (1.44%). Winnipeg Police Service data also shows a dramatic increase in shoplifting. It has been reported that between August 2018 and July 2019, the number of shoplifting incidents disclosed to police increased by almost 82% over the previous year. Recently, the United Food Workers of Canada, Local 832 spoke out about their concerns about thefts occurring at Winnipeg grocery stores.

In the event of a theft, please listen to and follow the instructions provided by Liquor Mart staff. We know how hard it is to witness these crimes and do nothing, but it is important that you DO NOT INTERVENE in an active theft. This means that you:
  • do not record the theft or robbery with your phone;
  • do not try to stop, trip, or tackle thieves;
  • do not try to engage, confront or follow thieves;
  • do not try to recover stolen product.

Liquor Mart employee training is focused on theft prevention. Our staff are trained to approach people they think may be stealing, speak with them, and discourage them from leaving the store with the product - a method that has been effective with traditional shoplifters.

Over the last 18 months, there has been a paradigm shift to the types of thefts we are seeing today. The people committing these crimes are not your average shoplifter. They are often dangerous and have little regard for the people working and shopping at Liquor Marts. We do not want, nor expect our employees to intervene in an active crime or attempt to apprehend thieves.

Security guards stationed at Liquor Marts play an important role in observing, detecting and deterring theft, however, they are not police and must conform to a different set of standards. They employ the use of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques, which focuses on strategies for defusing hostile and violent situations, the standard for retailers across the country. Security guards are important to the safety and security of Liquor Mart employees and customers.

All Liquor Marts are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment that captures high definition images from all angles. We work closely with the Winnipeg Police Service, and they, as well as our internal Loss Prevention Officer team, have been successful in catching and arresting the individuals committing these thefts.

While we understand that many Manitobans may see this as a potential solution, moving to a Consumers Distributing model is not a quick fix; it will not alleviate the issue in the short term. Converting all 36 Winnipeg Liquor Marts to a behind-the-counter model would require extensive renovations costing millions of dollars per store and take years to complete.

Before such a major retailing shift is undertaken, it is crucial that we carefully weigh the pros and cons of adopting a new retail model, along with the risks.

Manitoba Liquor Marts also process more than 11 million transactions annually. With this number of transactions coupled with customer retail expectations, the Consumers Distributing model is not practical.

While this idea is certainly one we have taken into consideration, it is not one we are actively pursuing at this time

According to the Alberta Liquor Store Association, there have been 5,000 liquor store robberies in Edmonton alone in 2019, a 300% increase over 2018. Many of the Alberta liquor thefts echo what we are seeing in Liquor Marts; people entering the store with duffel bags, swarming techniques, etc. The current theft epidemic we are seeing in Winnipeg is not isolated to our city.

Our retail shrinkage rate (theft only) for the current fiscal year is 0.70% (to September 30, 2019). While this is significantly higher than our shrinkage rate of previous years, it is still low comparatively. While any retail business aims to have a zero per cent shrink rate, the current national average is approximately 1.44%.

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries has not increased its markups (our portion of the retail price that generates revenues) in response to the increased levels of theft. Any price increases customers may see are a result of regular price changes implemented by the liquor suppliers.

We are currently receiving hundreds of comments and suggestions on ways to address Liquor Mart thefts. Please be assured we have read every one of your emails/letters and have shared them with our retail and corporate security teams. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to every message, but we do appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas.

 

 

 


 

 

Quick Links

 

News Releases

27/11/2019
Media Advisory Regarding Liquor Mart Controlled Entrances

The Tyndall Market Liquor Mart is re-opening today with its new controlled entrance. With the introduction of this new anti-theft measure, the way customers shop at Liquor Mart has changed.

21/11/2019
Statement from Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Regarding Controlled Entrances at Liquor Marts

Last night, following a serious incident, the Tyndall Market Liquor Mart was immediately closed. It remains closed while we work with the employees on next steps.

20/11/2019
Statement from Manny Atwal regarding attack at Tyndall Market Liquor Mart

Earlier today, in what can only be described as an unprovoked attack at our Tyndall Market Liquor Mart, three of our employees were physically assaulted and injured with one being transported to the hospital. We have closed the store until further notice.

04/10/2019
New President & CEO Announced

Manny Atwal has been appointed President & CEO of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries effective November 4, 2019.

02/08/2019
Notice: Voluntary Recall of Fort Garry Brewing Select Products

Fort Garry Brewing Company has issued a voluntary recall on a number of select beer products in a variety of package sizes of cans and bottles.

30/05/2019
Liquor Mart Anti-Theft Strategy Update

Liquor Mart Anti-Theft Strategy Update

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is seeing encouraging results from its enhanced strategy to target Liquor Mart theft.

“Since the measures were announced in March, we have seen a 23 per cent reduction in theft and robbery incidents,” said Liquor & Lotteries President Peter Hak. “While these are still early results, we are cautiously optimistic they are trending in the right direction.”

09/05/2019
Now the Largest Fair Trade Workplace in Canada

MANITOBA LIQUOR & LOTTERIES RECEIVES FAIR TRADE WORKPLACE DESIGNATION

Now the Largest Fair Trade Workplace in Canada

28/03/2019
Statement regarding reported claim against The Pas and firefighters

Originally released Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Statement regarding reported claim against The Pas and firefighters

In recent days, it has been reported that Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries has filed a Statement of Claim against the town of The Pas and six volunteer firefighters.

21/03/2019
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Launches Enhanced Strategy To Target Liquor Mart Theft

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is deploying a multi-point theft reduction plan to combat Liquor Mart thefts and robberies while protecting the safety of employees and customers.

31/01/2019
Retirement of Peter Hak, President & CEO

Peter Hak, President and CEO, will retire from the corporation at the end of June 2019.

20/12/2018
Recall of all Bonify non-medical cannabis

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries advises all consumers who have purchased non-medical cannabis under the Bonify brand to return the product to place of purchase.

11/12/2018
Liquor Mart 2018 Winter Holiday Hours

Extended holiday hours will be in effect at Manitoba Liquor Marts starting Thursday, December 13 until Tuesday, January 1.

11/10/2018
2018-19 Community Public Meetings

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is hosting three annual public meetings across Manitoba in 2018.

10/10/2018
Strong financial results posted for 2017-18

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries increases profits $24.3 million over previous year

13/09/2018
Statement Regarding Liquor Mart Thefts

Over the last several months, Liquor Marts have seen an increasing number of thefts in our Winnipeg locations, which we know is concerning for our customers and frustrating for the police.

10/04/2018
Bet on the Winnipeg Jets and the Stanley Cup

With NHL playoffs about to begin, the Winnipeg Jets 2.0 are poised to go further than ever this Stanley Cup race. 

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