Alcohol sales expanding across Ontario

It’s a move the government is touting as the “largest expansion of consumer choice and convenience since the end of prohibition almost 100 years ago.”

Premier Doug Ford announced his plans to hurry up the rollout of alcohol sales in grocery and convenience stores across the province on Friday.

Starting in August, Ontarians can expect to see ready-to-drink coolers and bigger cases of beer being sold at grocery stores that already sell wine, cider and beer.

By September, the plan is to expand some of those sales to convenience stores, and by October have them also selling large format packs of beer.

His government is calling it a move that “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.”

However, it won’t be free for all — retailers who want to participate in the program will have to apply for a license to sell alcohol and follow strict guidelines set out by the province under the Liquor Licence and Control Act.

If an application is denied or a license is revoked, there is a minimum two-year waiting period before a person can reapply.

The Beer Store will continue to operate as a distributor and recycling hub that consumers can return empties to.

Ford’s plan also includes $225 million so that the beer distributor can maintain its workforce and transition to what its CEO referred to as a “the next stage.”

“With today’s announcement, we look forward to the next stage in The Beer Store’s
evolution,” Roy Benin, the Beer Store’s CEO said.”

“The Beer Store will be transformed, where our role as primary distributor and
recycling steward takes center stage while maintaining a competitive retail footprint.”