Ontario is expediting its plan to enhance consumer convenience and choice by allowing licensed grocery stores to sell ready-to-drink beverages and large beer pack sizes starting Thursday, July 18, 2024. This move advances the original timeline from August 1, enabling the 450 licensed grocery stores to begin sales immediately upon product arrival.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy stated, “Our government is keeping our promise to give people in Ontario choice and convenience while supporting Ontario-made beverage producers.” This initiative is part of a broader plan to modernize Ontario’s alcohol marketplace.
By the end of October 2024, convenience, grocery, and big-box stores across Ontario will have the option to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. This will potentially introduce up to 8,500 new outlets for alcohol sales, marking the most significant expansion since the end of prohibition nearly a century ago.
In addition to these changes, the government is allowing licensed grocery stores temporary flexibility to display alcohol in multiple areas of the store. Bars and restaurants will also benefit from temporary regulations permitting the transfer of wine and spirits between locations with the same owner to manage inventory and ensure consistent supply.
To help consumers find local retailers, Ontario has launched an interactive map featuring over 1,000 local breweries, wineries, wine shops, distilleries, LCBO Convenience Outlets, The Beer Store, and licensed grocery stores. New retailers will be added to the map as they receive licenses to sell alcoholic beverages.