In a significant move, Ontario has accelerated its plan to introduce sales of beer, wine, and ready-made cocktails into corner stores and additional supermarkets. Premier Doug Ford announced the accelerated timeline, which fulfills a 2018 election campaign commitment, aiming to expand alcohol sales across the province.
Starting September 4, retailers, including convenience stores and gas stations, will be permitted to sell low-alcohol beverages. The process for obtaining a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will open on June 17. Additionally, grocery stores with existing licenses for beer and wine will be authorized to sell ready-to-drink cocktails from August 1.
By October 31, all other supermarkets and grocers in the province will also be eligible to sell beer, wine, cider, and canned spirit drinks. This expansion aims to provide consumers with more options and convenience in purchasing alcoholic beverages.
The announcement comes with a financial commitment from the province of up to $225 million to The Beer Store, helping to offset the costs of the accelerated timeline and supporting the maintenance of jobs and retail operations. The Beer Store will remain the primary wholesale distributor of beer until 2031, ensuring continuity in the alcohol retail landscape.
With approximately 8,500 new locations set to offer low-alcohol products, Ontario will rank among the provinces with the highest density of alcohol retail stores in Canada. This move marks a significant step in modernizing the province’s alcohol market, making it the third jurisdiction in Canada to offer beer in corner stores and the first to sell ready-to-drink cocktails in these locations.
