by Phil Egan Special to The Sarnia Journal

Sarnians, and Ontarians in general, have had a tempestuous experience over the years with the practice of purchasing liquor.

It wasn’t always as easy as it is today. In fact, there was a time not too long ago when it was pretty darn intrusive.

Nineteenth century Ontarians had much different attitudes towards liquor than we hold today, and the change from the past proved to be slow and tortuous. Total prohibition of the sale and consumption of alcohol had become law in 1916. Of course, Sarnia and the area “down river” would see a lot of smuggling and rum-running over the ensuing years, but the town remained officially “dry.” Eight years later a provincial plebiscite voted to keep prohibition, but the victory was narrow: 51.5% to 48.5%. Attitudes were changing.

In 1927, a new provincial government introduced the Liquor Control Act. It was a compromise with the electorate. Prohibition was ended, but the government would be responsible for all liquor sales in Ontario, and would look unkindly at anyone who lined up at the counter too often.

How much was too much? That was up to your unsmiling liquor store clerk to decide.

Ontarians who wanted to purchase liquor were required to apply for a permit, which came in the form of a passport-like booklet. The first part listed your name and address, marital status, occupation and employer. The second half was for the liquor store employee to list your purchases every time you visited. Clerks would compare the two halves of the book. If it was deemed that your purchases were becoming excessive, too frequent, or that you were spending more on liquor that the clerk felt you could afford, then you would be refused; and that refusal would also be entered in your permit book.

Between 1927 and 1935, 33,138 citizens found themselves on the LCBO’s “interdiction” list, now identified as “drunkards” unable to purchase liquor.

The permit book system was phased out in 1957, but the LCBO continued to foster the notion of purchasing liquor as a furtive, shameful exercise. Bottles were never in view. You filled out a slip identifying your purchase and handed it to a clerk, who would enter a back room, returning with your purchase already bagged.

Women were not allowed to visit bars and taverns without an escort, and could drink only in designated “Ladies and Escorts” beverage rooms.

It was 1969 before self-serve liquor stores finally appeared and the act of purchasing liquor began to enter the mainstream in Ontario. Stores became more inviting in the 1970s, but it was well into the 1980s before it became possible to enjoy a drink in a restaurant on Sunday without having to buy a meal. Many restaurants used to put often weeks-old cheese sandwiches on your table as part of Sunday service. You didn’t dare eat them – they were on your table just in case a liquor inspector should come by.

Today, the LCBO issues the hugely popular magazine Food and Drink, encouraging us to find even more uses for the once forbidden demon rum.