The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has released its 2011 to 2012 financial results, reporting net sales of $4.71-bln, up $218-mln from the previous fiscal year.

It transferred an all-time high $1.63-bln dividend, not including taxes, to the Ontario government – $80-mln more than in 2010-11.

It was the LCBO’s 17th straight year of record sales, and 18th consecutive record dividend.

LCBO revenues help pay for provincial government priorities, including health care, education, infrastructure, and other important public services. 

In the past calendar year, LCBO opened 13 new stores, and did major upgrades on two outlet – contributing $14.5-mln in additional sales.

LCBO staff challenged 6.3 million people who appeared underage, intoxicated or were suspected of purchasing for a minor or an intoxicated person.

More than 290, 000 people were refused service, 84 per cent of which were for reasons of age. 

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Nicole Siena is an intern for the  Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at  @nicolesiena

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