Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy have announced that the province is speeding up the push to liberalize alcohol sales in Ontario. Beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails are coming to convenience stores later this summer, with The Beer Store being paid $225 million in public funds.
Starting in August, consumers will be able to purchase products like coolers and what the province labelled as “other ready-to-drink beverages” alongside more pack sizes at grocery stores that currently sell wine or beer, followed by new retailers being able to sell an increased selection of local, domestic, and international alcohol products.
By the end of October, convenience stores, supermarkets, and gas stations that are fully licensed to do so will be able to sell beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails, well ahead of the previously slated date of early 2026.
In a news release, Premier Ford states: “We are delivering on our commitment to give consumers in Ontario the choice and convenience every other Canadian enjoys and we’re doing so even sooner than we had originally promised. In the coming weeks and months, people in Ontario, like many Canadians across the country, will have the option to responsibly and conveniently purchase a case of beer or a bottle of wine on their way up to the cottage or to a summer barbecue, all while having even more opportunity to support local Ontario breweries and wineries.”
“Our responsible and balanced approach treats Ontario consumers like adults by giving them more choice and convenience, while also supporting Ontario retailers, domestic producers and workers in the alcohol industry,” said Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy. “As we launch this new marketplace, we will continue to meet, consult and work closely with industry partners, local beverage alcohol producers and other stakeholders.”
The announcement is definitely welcomed by convenience stores.
“We at OSCA and OKBA have been petitioning the Ontario government for beer and wine at our stores for the last 30 years,” says Kenny Shim, President of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association and the Ontario Korean Business Association. “I thank Premier Ford for trusting Ontario convenience store owners as responsible retailers who have been handling age restricted products such as tobacco and lottery tickets for many years with proven records. We believe this introduction of beer and wine will greatly improve the current state of the industry by creating more traffic to our stores. I know there is lots of work to be done but we look forward to work together with our partners in the alcohol industry and the government.”
Retailers will be able to apply for licenses in the coming weeks. The government has posted the regulations related to eligibility and license structure, along with the terms of who can sell alcohol, the rules for selling alcohol, including the social responsibility standards and the licensing framework, which will be on a first come, first served basis. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees the enforcement of the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, and determines consequence for retailers who breach these rules, up to and including the loss of their licence to sell alcohol. If a retailer’s licence is revoked or an application is denied, they cannot reapply for two years. The AGCO will be taking strong measures with respect to social responsibility infractions as part of its continued role in the new marketplace.
The phased expansion and rollout:
August 1, 2024: Up to 450 province-wide grocery stores that are currently licensed to sell beer, cider or wine will be able to sell ready-to-drink beverages. Additionally, these locations can offer “large-pack sizes” (30-pack).
After September 5, 2024: All eligible province-wide convenience stores can sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
After October 31, 2024: All eligible province-wide grocery and big-box stores can sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes.
The government also announced that The Beer Store will be paid $225 million of taxpayer dollars to keep locations open, facilitate recycling and bottle return, and further support the private brewer-owned entity as Ontario shifts to the new model of selling alcohol.
