Ontario Expands Alcohol Sales Amid OPSEU Strike with New Interactive Map
TORONTO — This summer, Ontario residents can still enjoy their favorite alcoholic beverages despite the ongoing OPSEU strike, thanks to a new initiative by the provincial government. The province has introduced a searchable and interactive map that highlights thousands of retailers, including over 1,000 local breweries, wineries, distilleries, and other outlets like LCBO Convenience Stores and The Beer Store, along with licensed grocery stores.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses during this period. “This new map is a great way to connect people across the province to local Ontario-made products and support the hundreds of Ontario businesses and thousands of Ontario workers who make these products and serve customers each and every day,” he stated. Ford also noted that this move aligns with the government’s broader plan to provide consumers with the kind of choice and convenience available to other Canadians when purchasing alcoholic beverages.
Make this summer an Ontario-made summer!
Our new interactive map shows thousands of convenient options where you can still buy beer, wine, spirits and other drinks across the province. Check out a local brewery or winery for some fantastic Ontario-made products near you and… pic.twitter.com/baAutZWYst
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 8, 2024
The interactive map is designed to be user-friendly, helping Ontarians easily locate stores selling beer, wine, cider, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages. It will be updated regularly to reflect the expansion of alcohol sales to more licensed grocery and convenience stores, and LCBO retail stores as they reopen.
Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, underscored the government’s commitment to modernizing the province’s beverage alcohol retail marketplace. “Our government is delivering on its commitment to expand the province’s beverage alcohol retail marketplace to increase choice and convenience for shoppers earlier than planned,” he said. “Ontario can rest assured there are more options to purchase than ever before, thanks to the government’s bold plan to modernize alcohol sales.”
In May 2024, the province announced a phased expansion of its alcohol beverage marketplace. Starting in August, existing grocery retailers that currently sell wine or beer will be allowed to offer new products such as coolers and other ready-to-drink beverages, alongside more pack sizes of beer. By October 2024, eligible convenience, grocery, and big-box stores across Ontario will be able to sell a wider selection of local, domestic, and international alcohol products.
The government is working closely with the LCBO, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), The Beer Store, industry partners, local beverage alcohol producers, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful launch of this new marketplace.
With these changes, Ontario aims to provide residents with more options and greater convenience in purchasing alcoholic beverages, while also supporting local businesses and workers.
