All grocery store licensees are required to comply with the Ontario Deposit Return Program (“ODRP”) as outlined in section 17 of O. Reg. 745/21: (General) under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA).
As you may be aware, all grocery store licensee (“GSL”) holders located 5km or more from a The Beer Store (“TBS”) location (the “Non-exempt Licensees”) have been legally obligated to accept empty liquor containers under the rules of the ODRP since October 31, 2024.
Effective January 1, 2026, the same rules apply to all GSL holders regardless of proximity to a TBS location (the “Exempt Licensees”).
To support all licensees in meeting their obligations under ODRP, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (“AGCO”) has created a number of resources that outline the ODRP requirements .
What you need to know
Note: Effective January 1, 2026, all grocery store licensees will be required to accept empty liquor containers and provide container deposit refunds to customers.
As part of AGCO’s overall effort to support all licensees in meeting their obligations as referenced above, it will be important for you to make all necessary advance preparations and arrangements to transition your operations to come into compliance with the ODRP requirements.
Under the rules of the ODRP, both Non-exempt and Exempt Licensees:
- must accept eligible empty liquor containers and refund customer deposits; and
- follow requirements for sorting, recordkeeping, and returning containers to TBS. Visit the LCBO’s Policies and Procedures Manual for details.
Required signage
In addition to the above, licensees are required to post a clear, visible sign indicating that customers can return eligible empty containers in their stores.
Signage templates are available on doingbusinesswithlcbo.com ; however, licensees may use a different sign, provided that the requirements are met.
Alternative arrangements
Licensees can negotiate alternative arrangements with TBS to adjust or supplement policy and service agreement requirements. Alternative arrangements will require LCBO approval before taking effect. Contact TBS at customerservice@thebeerstore.ca or 1-888-948-2337 for information on alternative arrangements.
AGCO compliance actions
In addition to the regular compliance activities aimed at ensuring safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol, the AGCO will conduct the following activities in relation to its mandated oversight of the ODRP:
- verify participation to ensure grocery stores are accepting empty liquor container returns as required;
- assess signage to ensure licensees have posted the required signage that provides information on container returns;
- inspect compliance with sorting, recordkeeping, and return-to-TBS requirements;
- conduct audits and reviews of operational practices;
- investigate complaints; and,
- provide education and support where necessary to help stores meet compliance expectations.
Note: Stores which have entered into an alternative arrangement with TBS will not be subject to AGCO verification for elements of the program that are covered by the alternative arrangement.
Contact and support
For additional compliance support, contact your local Inspectors. If you are unsure who your Inspector is, or have misplaced their contact information, please contact compliance@agco.ca.
Additional resources, including the LCBO’s Policies and Procedures Manual, and a map to locate return locations, can be found on doingbusinesswithlcbo.com .
For inquiries:
- LCBO: Email groceryandconvenience@lcbo.com or contact your account manager.
- TBS: For operational guidance or alternative arrangements, contact the Customer Contact Centre at customerservice@thebeerstore.ca or call 1-888-948-337.