Canada Review: Putting Ontario (ON) to the LCBO Test
For any Canadian novelty ID owner, the ultimate test is the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). These venues are known for having some of the most highly-trained staff and advanced scanning equipment in the country. I recently took my new Ontario (ON) card out for a "real-world" verification at several LCBO locations in the GTA to see if it could pass the ultimate scrutiny. Here is my report on the experience.
The card stock is excellent—it has that specific "polycarbonate" feel and the correct weight. The tactile features were the first thing checked. The staff at these venues often run their thumb over the card to feel for the raised date of birth and signature. This card had very prominent, correctly textured raised printing that felt exactly like the official version. The confidence this gave me was a huge part of the success.
Why the LCBO is Such a Tough Test
- Staff Training: LCBO employees are specifically trained to look for subtle design flaws and to use the "bend test" and "tap test" on every card.
- Scanning Rigor: They use high-end scanners that check for data sequencing and checksum accuracy in the 2D barcode. This card passed 3 out of 3 scans perfectly.
- UV Verification: Under the counter-top blacklights, the Ontario hidden imagery popped with a bright, crisp green glow.
Overall, the experience was a 100% success. The Ontario card performed flawlessly under some of the toughest conditions in the market. If you are looking for an ON prop, make sure you choose a vendor who understands the importance of the tactile features and barcode encoding. This card is a winner! I’ll be trying it at some other high-traffic venues soon to see if the streak continues.