David Hayes, the owner of a restaurant in Amherstburg, Ontario, has made changes to his menu by replacing one liquor with another before. However, following the closure of the Diageo bottling plant in town, Gilligan’s Amherstburg, a family restaurant and bar, has decided to remove Crown Royal whisky from its offerings. This closure is anticipated to result in over 200 job losses in February, affecting many regular customers and their families who frequent the establishment. Hayes expressed a personal connection to the impact of this decision on the community.
In response to the escalating trade tensions with the United States and the removal of American liquor from LCBO shelves, Hayes had switched from using Jack Daniels to Crown Royal in one of his menu items. However, he now plans to remove that option as well but remains optimistic about collaborating with local suppliers to introduce a new burger.
Hayes emphasized the pride that workers have in being associated with Diageo, the parent company of Crown Royal. While the company has not linked the closure to tariffs, Hayes highlighted a prevailing sense of uncertainty in the town. The closure has raised concerns about job security and potential impacts on other businesses in the area.
Diageo announced the closure of the Amherstburg plant as part of a strategic effort to enhance its supply chain and bring bottling operations closer to U.S. consumers. The company assured that Crown Royal will still be produced in Canada, with bottling operations in various locations across the country.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a symbolic gesture by pouring out a bottle of Crown Royal during an unrelated event, expressing solidarity with the affected workers. While the possibility of pulling Crown Royal from LCBO shelves remains uncertain, there are calls for a potential boycott supported by Unifor Local 200.
Contrary to the boycott suggestion, Derek Johnson, an official from Manitoba, defended the local production of Crown Royal and discouraged internal disputes among provinces. He emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian-made products and maintaining economic stability.
Despite the challenges, Hayes commended the community for their loyalty to local businesses. He expressed hope for a positive resolution to the situation and urged sustained efforts to address the closure’s impact on the town’s economy and residents.
