In May 2019, consistent with the Government of Ontario’s April 2019 Budget objectives, the AGCO introduced several initiatives to reduce burden, modernize the regulatory framework for liquor, and improve choice and convenience for consumers of beverage alcohol, including:
In October 2019, the AGCO reduced burden on wineries by increasing the permitted amount of time they had to return unsold product from Farmers’ Markets to their on-site retail store, from 24 to 72 hours.
In December 2019, the AGCO extended the hours of sale and service of beverage alcohol at select Ontario airports to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In support of the government’s Fall Economic Statement, the AGCO worked to expand the alcohol sales in grocery stores program, in collaboration with the LCBO. By March 31, 2020, it had issued 448 grocery store authorizations, of which 157 were authorized to sell beer and wine and 291 were authorized to sell beer and cider.
The AGCO also conducted an ongoing review of program reports and analysis of program data and continued to collaborate with the OPP and regional and municipal police on the Last Drink Program, which allows the AGCO and police services to share information and educate owners of licensed establishments on the dangers of impaired driving.