New regulatory amendments for alcohol sales in convenience stores, grocery stores and wine boutiques effective January 1, 2026

On December 16, 2025, the Ontario Government amended Ontario Regulation 746/21: Licensing (Regulation) of the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) to make the following changes, that are effective as of January 1, 2026.

• Sections 88(2), 96(2) and 100(1) of the Regulation have been amended to allow licensed grocery stores, convenience stores, and wine boutiques to advertise and sell alcoholic products online alongside other products, rather than requiring a separate, dedicated section of a website or app to do so.
• Sections 89(2) and 101(3) of the Regulation have been amended to remove the prohibition on licensed grocery stores, convenience stores and wine boutiques displaying energy drinks immediately adjacent to liquor.
• Section 89(7) of the Regulation has been amended to specify that the minimum retail price for 5,000 mL containers of wine is $61.25 to simplify compliance for retailers. The updated minimum retail pricing guide can be found on the LCBO’s website .

Additional information

For more information on how Grocery Store and Convenience Store licensees can comply with the LLCA and its regulations, please visit the AGCO’s Compliance support for convenience and grocery stores page.

Contact and support

For inquiries, please contact the AGCO anytime via the iAGCO online portal or call AGCO Customer Service Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at 416-326-8700 or toll-free at 1-800-522-2876.