Starting today all licensed grocery stores and big-box grocery stores are now able to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes.
“This last phase of expansion will create new opportunities for retailers of all sizes and for Ontario producers of beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink beverages," said Premier Doug Ford.
As of July 18, up to 450 grocery stores licensed to sell beer, cider or wine can now sell ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes.
As of September 5, all eligible convenience stores are able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
As of October 31 all eligible grocery and big-box grocery stores are able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes.
"With this rollout, the government has made Ontario’s alcohol beverage marketplace more convenient for consumers. Retailers and businesses have more control over if, how and when they want to sell these kinds of beverages," says a government news release.
"It marks a significant milestone for both grocery retailers and consumers as we continue to modernize Ontario's alcohol marketplace,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.
To help consumers find local retailers and producers, the province launched an interactive map that allows users to search for open retailers. This includes over 1,000 local Ontario breweries, wineries, wine shops and distilleries, as well as other outlets like LCBO Convenience Outlets, The Beer Store and licensed grocery stores offering a variety of Ontario-made and imported products. The map also includes locations where they can return empty alcoholic beverage containers in exchange for a deposit.
Along with permitting the sale of ready-to-drink beverages and large pack sizes of beer in licensed grocery stores, the government has permanently provided more flexibility for how alcohol can be displayed, subject to certain limits. Additionally, to assist bars and restaurants with inventory management, the government has permanently allowed the transfer of wine and spirits between locations owned by the same entity or affiliated licensees.
"The government will maintain close collaboration with the LCBO, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and The Beer Store, while also consulting with industry partners, local beverage alcohol producers and other stakeholders as it implements this new marketplace," says the release.
As of late October, approximately 4,700 convenience stores and 850 grocery stores including big box grocery stores are licenced to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes.
The government is supporting local economic development by directing the LCBO to promote and prioritize small and Ontario-made products.
The government will be conducting a targeted review of taxes, mark-ups and fees on beer, wine and alcohol beverages, with the aim of promoting a more competitive marketplace for producers and consumers. This review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
"As the voice of craft beer in Ontario, we have long called for more opportunities for consumers to be able to find, buy and enjoy locally made craft beer on local shelves. That is why we are thrilled by today’s news that craft beer lovers can now find our products at more grocery stores across Ontario," said Scott Simmons, president of Ontario Craft Brewers. "And because of the government’s focus on supporting local, at least 20 per cent of products will be from local producers in communities right across this province which is great news for these small businesses."
