After a long shift at St. Catharines hospital sterilizing the radiology department to ensure vulnerable cancer patients are protected from the spread of COVID-19, Jose Moore just wanted to relax at home with a glass of wine.

But Moore said she was denied that comfort when she stopped at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario store on Vansickle Road Friday evening.

After waiting in line, she said a security guard told her hospital workers would not be permitted to enter the store.

"I even put on a mask I had in my pocket, but the security guard said, 'Sorry, no. You can't come in.'"

Moore said she was shocked.

She offered to zip up her coat to cover the white uniform she had on, but was told it was too late. The security guard had already seen what she was wearing.

Moore said she spoke to the store manager and asked why she was denied access.

The manager told her she was denied entrance because she worked at the hospital and she didn't want the virus getting into the store, she said.

"I assured her I'm not sick," Moore said, adding there are many protocols in place within hospitals to protect staff and patients, including wearing gowns and gloves, hairnets, masks and face shields.

"We're almost completely covered," she said.

But Moore said it did nothing to change the store manager's mind.

Calls by The St. Catharines Standard to local LCBO stores were referred to the LCBO's head office.

Asked about Moore's complaints, an LCBO spokesperson told The Standard the Crown corporation has no policy in place that prevents hospital workers from being served at its locations.

"The LCBO appreciates the efforts of all front-line health-care workers and there is no policy related to in-store service to these valued customers," an unidentified spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement.

"We do ask that customers who are ill or experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19, should be in self-isolation, or are returning from travel not visit our stores, but rather make arrangements through family, neighbours or friends."

Moore said she's not alone. She said some of her colleagues have reported similar experiences while visiting LCBO locations in the city.

Moore said she doesn't blame the security guard who was just doing his job, although she is bothered that the guard allowed her to stand in line for five or 10 minutes before denying her entry.

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But she was still angry enough that she called the LCBO, Niagara Region, MP Chris Bittle, MPP Jennie Stevens, the mayor and the newspaper to complain.

"When I get ticked off, I get ticked off," she said.

Moore said she did finally get her glass of wine, after her son picked up a bottle for her.

Allan.Benner@niagaradailies.com

905-225-1629 | @abenner1

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