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Both the city and province cite harm reduction as justification for declaring beer and liquor retailers as essential services.

Released Monday evening by the provincial government, the list of workplaces exempt from Premier Doug Ford’s order shutting down non-essential businesses includes “beer, wine and liquor stores and alcohol producers, and stores that sell beer and wine through arrangements with authorized providers.”

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While many commercial alcohol distillers have repurposed their operations to produce hand sanitizers, some questioned why retailers like The Beer Store and LCBO are considered essential — despite reports of long lineups of tightly packed customers appearing to disregard urgings from officials to keep their distance.

While expressing dismay at the lack of social distancing, Toronto’s chief medical officer, Dr. Eileen de Villa, said the decision to maintain alcohol sales helps those struggling with addiction.