When social distancing measures and a city-wide shutdown of non-essential businesses disrupted the Toronto community, a lot of things changed. Several restaurants were able to partially adapt by offering takeout, albeit not replacing dine-in revenue, but bars faced quite a difficult hurdle. Thankfully, bars were eventually allowed to sell their alcohol for takeout, yet still faced logistical issues of operating.
As LCBO lines become the new norm, bars and breweries have started to offer their products for pick-up and delivery, taking some of the strain off a higher-than-usual demand for alcohol; that being no surprise as we are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. There's never been an occasion more suiting for a strong cocktail.
As bars begin to operate like temporary liquor shops, one Toronto cocktail bar has remarked on the hilarity of their new unforeseen role, truly making light of a bad situation. Civil Liberties showcased a new sign outside their storefront entitled "CLBO" or Civil Liberties Bottled Offerings.
The bar has converted to an online shop offering cheese, charcuterie, wine, beer, spirits and other delights. Deliveries are made every Sunday with a minimum order of $75 and by law some form of food has to be purchased. The shop even offers DIY cocktail kits with options such as "Espresso Quarentini", which seems appropriate for our current predicament.
If you find yourself absolutely dreading facing another egregiously long line and have yet to get around to stitching your own face mask, check out the new kid on the block, CLBO for all your beverage needs.
