In a major development for shoppers, Costco locations across Ontario have been granted licences to sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink cocktails. This expansion is part of Ontario’s ongoing initiative to broaden alcohol sales across the province, led by Premier Doug Ford’s government.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) confirmed that, as of October 29, it had issued at least 412 new grocery store licences, adding to the existing 450 stores already permitted to sell alcohol. With this move, all 41 Costco stores in Ontario are now authorized to sell alcoholic beverages, starting Thursday, October 31, 2024.
The latest milestone completes Ford’s alcohol sales expansion plan, which earlier this year allowed licensed convenience stores to start selling alcohol as of September 5. Prior to that, on August 1, grocery stores received approval to sell ready-to-drink beverages and large-pack beer sizes, including 30-packs.
While Costco’s specific sales start date remains to be confirmed, the AGCO has set guidelines for all licensed retailers. Restrictions include a maximum single container size of 5 litres and a limit on alcohol content, with products not exceeding 18 per cent alcohol.
Since the recent liberalization, nearly 4,750 convenience stores across the province have joined the growing list of retailers licensed to sell alcohol