LCBO apologizes to hospital worker refused entry into retail outlet

Sympathetic winery sent housekeeper Jose Moore six bottles of wine, tulips

Jose Moore was overwhelmed with the kindness of the community after being turned away at the LCBO store on Vansickle Road because she was wearing her hospital uniform last week.

The housekeeping worker at the St. Catharines hospital radiology department said she was denied entry to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario store last Friday, when a security guard and the store manager said she could not enter because she was dressed in her white uniform — despite working in the housekeeping department and without having any contact with patients.

But after sharing her story with The St. Catharines Standard, she said numerous people reached out to her — including many who said anyone working in a hospital in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic deserves a glass of wine for free.

Managers at Hernder Estate Wines were among those supporters, who told her there were a few bottles of wine waiting for her to pick up at the St. Catharines winery.

“They gave me six bottles of wine,” Moore said, adding she’s gladly sharing it with her co-workers.

“I kept two and I’m giving the rest away.”

The winery also cheered her up with a bouquet of tulips. Meanwhile, LCBO communications and corporate digital content director Amy Waters contacted her to offer an apology and a $100 gift certificate.

“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,” the LCBO said in a 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.”

Along with the support, Moore said she did receive comments from others who believed she was wearing scrubs at the time.

She wasn’t.

Scrubs worn by medical staff who are caring for patients remain at the hospital, in the same area of the facility where the patient was being treated. Staff are not permitted to leave the hospital property while wearing scrubs.

Niagara’s acting medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, said uniforms staff wear within the community, such as Moore’s uniform, pose no risk of spreading infection.