Major Expansion of Alcohol Sales Begins in Ontario

TORONTO — Starting today, Ontario residents will see a significant change in their alcohol purchasing options. As of September 5, all licensed convenience stores across the province are now permitted to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. This move represents the largest expansion in alcohol sales since the end of prohibition nearly a century ago.

Premier Doug Ford hailed the expansion as a major step toward increasing consumer choice and convenience, aligning Ontario with practices already common in other Canadian provinces. “Today’s expansion delivers on our government’s promise to give people in Ontario the same choice and convenience enjoyed by people throughout the rest of Canada,” Ford stated. “With this announcement, we’re also creating new opportunities for Ontario-made products to reach consumers in nearly 4,200 convenience stores across the province.”

📢 Attention Ontario, the wait is over!

Starting today, you can buy beer, cider, wine and ready to drink alcoholic beverages in convenience stores.

We’re delivering on our promise to treat people like adults while giving small businesses the chance to grow and create more… pic.twitter.com/1Oz55GiAkH

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 5, 2024

The expansion, which began earlier this year, is part of a phased approach to broaden alcohol sales. By the end of October 2024, every eligible convenience store, grocery store, and big-box grocery store in Ontario will have the option to sell these alcoholic beverages. The initiative aims to support local beverage producers and provide consumers with more accessible options.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy emphasized the benefits for local businesses and consumers. “People finally have more options to responsibly and conveniently support local Ontario breweries and wineries – or whatever their drink-of-choice may be – even closer to home,” Bethlenfalvy said. “Today’s announcement is another milestone in our commitment to deliver more choice and convenience.”

In addition to this expansion, new regulations will allow for the transfer of wine and spirits between locations with the same owner or affiliated licensees, aiding bars and restaurants in managing their inventory. Convenience and grocery stores will also be able to display alcoholic beverages in multiple areas, while continuing to adhere to small-producer shelf space requirements and ensuring responsible sales.

The government will work closely with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and The Beer Store to ensure the successful implementation of this new marketplace. The initiative also includes ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders and local beverage producers to refine and enhance the rollout.

This expansion is expected to reshape the alcohol retail landscape in Ontario, offering more choices and convenience to consumers while bolstering the local beverage industry.