TORONTO — Starting today, all licensed convenience stores in Ontario can sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, marking the largest expansion of consumer choice and convenience in provincial alcohol sales since the end of prohibition almost 100 years ago. As of September 5, 4,187 convenience stores across Ontario are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, in addition to nearly 3,000 other licensed retail outlets as well as takeaway options from licensed bars and restaurants.
“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,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With today’s announcement, we’re also creating new opportunities to produce and sell world-class Ontario-made beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages in nearly 4,200 convenience stores across the province.”
The government’s phased expansion, which began earlier this year, is giving customers across Ontario more choice and convenience, supporting businesses and helping to promote Ontario-made beverage producers. By the end of October 2024, as part of the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales, every eligible convenience, grocery and big-box grocery store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages if they choose to do so.
“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, and today’s announcement is another milestone in the government’s commitment to deliver more choice and convenience to consumers,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “In addition to supporting Ontario retailers, domestic producers and workers in the alcohol industry, our vision for a better marketplace has come to life thanks to people and businesses across the province.”
The government is also permanently allowing the transfer of wine and spirits between locations with the same owner and/or affiliated licensees in order to help bars and restaurants effectively manage inventory, and is allowing licensed grocery and convenience stores to display alcoholic beverages in multiple areas of a store, while maintaining small-producer shelf space requirements as well as policies that will continue to ensure the safe and responsible sale of alcohol.
The government will continue to work closely with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and The Beer Store, in addition to consulting and meeting with industry partners, local beverage alcohol producers and other stakeholders as it completes the launch of this new marketplace.
Quick Facts
To support a vibrant beverage alcohol industry, at least 20 per cent of the beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages on display in grocery and convenience stores must be produced by craft producers.
The government is enhancing protections for winery retail stores, offering additional support to the local industry. These time-limited measures are designed to incentivize the co-location of these stores and ensure their viability in the evolving alcohol marketplace. The measures include extending protections and incentives for co-located winery retail stores until January 1, 2036 and enabling co-located winery retail stores to offer home delivery services.
Over time, Ontario’s new, more open marketplace will introduce up to an estimated 8,500 new stores where these products can be sold.
Quotes
"Today is a milestone for the province of Ontario. Modernizing the retail sale of beverage alcohol is now a reality with the expansion to the province’s thousands of convenience stores. We commend Premier Ford and Minister Bethlenfalvy for working with CICC and delivering on their commitment to increase both convenience and choice to Ontarians, with our responsible retailers. As the voice of convenience in Ontario, we will continue to provide industry expertise, and will continue to work with government in order to effectively expand alcohol stores to convenience in Ontario."
- Anne Kothawala
President & CEO, Convenience Industry Council of Canada, CICC
"As both a store owner and President of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, I am excited to announce that convenience store owners across Ontario are eager to begin offering beverage alcohol in our stores as of today. This long-awaited opportunity represents a significant advancement for our industry and has the potential to substantially increase foot traffic, thereby enhancing the overall performance of our businesses. We understand that the introduction of beverage alcohol sales will come with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of adhering to the rigorous regulations established by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). However, we are confident in our ability to meet these challenges head-on, just as we have successfully managed the complexities of tobacco and lottery sales. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Premier Ford for championing this initiative. We look forward to collaborating with the AGCO, LCBO, and the Ministry of Finance to ensure a smooth transition into this new category and to contribute positively to the province's retail landscape."
- Kenny Shim
President of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association
"Today is a fantastic day for Ontario’s craft beer lovers. Our local craft breweries are excited to be able to sell their fantastic products on convenience store shelves across the province starting today. The Ontario Craft Brewers (OCB) have been relentless in advocating for a new retail system that puts consumers first and makes it easier to find local beer. Today is a big step in making that a reality. And because of the government’s focus on supporting local, we are thrilled that at least 20 per cent of products will be from local producers in communities right across this province. So, we encourage everyone who goes to pick up their next beer at their local convenience store to choose local - it means more jobs, more investment, and stronger communities right across Ontario. I think that’s something we can all Cheers!"
- Scott Simmons
President of Ontario Craft Brewers
"This is a historic day for the rapidly growing Ready-to-Drink (RTD) industry in Ontario. Simply put, the old system made it too hard for consumers to find locally-made craft cocktails on store shelves. That is why this change is so important. Allowing RTDs to be sold at convenience stores right across the province will provide small Ontario businesses like ours with the chance to reach our consumers, grow our businesses, and create more local jobs in communities across the province. We are thrilled with this new opportunity and what it can mean for Ontario consumers and our sector."
- Natasha Fritzley
Chair of Ontario Craft Ready-to-Drink Coalition
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