TORONTO — Ontario’s government is accelerating its plan to enhance consumer choice and convenience in alcohol sales. Starting Thursday, July 18, 2024, licensed grocery stores will be able to order and sell ready-to-drink beverages and large beer pack sizes immediately upon arrival. This initiative advances the first phase of the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales to grocery, convenience, and big-box stores, initially scheduled for August 1.
“Our government is keeping our promise to give people in Ontario choice and convenience while supporting Ontario-made beverage producers across the province, including the Ontario businesses that produce more than 80 percent of the ready-to-drink beverages sold here,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “This is an important milestone for grocery retailers and consumers alike as we continue our work modernizing Ontario’s alcohol marketplace.”
Expanding Alcohol Sales
By the end of October 2024, every convenience, grocery, and big-box store in Ontario will have the option to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. This expansion is projected to introduce up to 8,500 new retail outlets, marking the largest increase in consumer choice since the end of prohibition nearly a century ago. The government will continuously evaluate and refine the plan to ensure it meets the goals of increased choice and convenience.
New Store Flexibility and Inventory Management
In addition to the early sale of ready-to-drink beverages and large beer pack sizes, the government is also allowing licensed grocery stores to display alcohol in multiple store areas with certain limits. To assist bars and restaurants with inventory management and supply consistency, there will be temporary permissions for transferring wine and spirits between locations with the same owner or affiliated licensees.
Connecting Consumers with Local Producers
Ontario has launched a new searchable and interactive map to help consumers locate local retailers and producers. This map includes over 1,000 Ontario breweries, wineries, wine shops, and distilleries, as well as other retailers like LCBO Convenience Outlets, The Beer Store, and licensed grocery stores. New retailers will be added to the map as they become licensed.
