Ontario Completes Alcohol Sales Expansion to Grocery and Big-Box Stores
Toronto, ON — As of October 31, Ontarians can now purchase a broader range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink options, in grocery and big-box stores across the province. This final phase in Ontario’s alcohol sales expansion fulfills the government’s long-standing promise to provide consumers with greater accessibility and choice while supporting local retailers and Ontario-based producers.
Premier Doug Ford announced the milestone on social media, highlighting that the expansion creates “new opportunities for local retailers and Ontario-made producers to grow their business.” The policy change allows stores to stock a variety of alcoholic beverages, including large pack sizes, marking a shift from Ontario’s previous, more limited retail model for alcohol distribution.
📢 Great news, Ontario!
Starting today, all grocery and big-box stores are now able to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, including large pack sizes. As we launch the last phase of the expansion, we are creating new opportunities for local retailers… pic.twitter.com/7jFnKjzEfG
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 31, 2024
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, who has been vocal about the government’s commitment to modernizing alcohol sales, has noted that this latest expansion aligns with the province’s goals for economic growth and consumer convenience. “Ontario families want greater access, and this move is about giving them choice while fostering a supportive environment for local producers,” he said in a statement.
The initiative follows several years of phased alcohol policy changes across Ontario, beginning with limited retail access in grocery stores and eventually extending to include more products and locations. The province’s recent decisions have also encouraged collaboration with local breweries, wineries, and cideries, emphasizing Ontario-made goods.
For grocery and big-box retailers, the policy shift brings a significant business boost, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Retail chains are expected to see increased foot traffic and sales, and local producers may benefit from heightened visibility among consumers seeking Ontario-made beverages.
