Effective September 8, 2026, establishments that hold a Liquor Sales License may have vending machines that sell and serve liquor on site.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has updated the Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor to allow this service model, supporting greater operational flexibility for licensees while maintaining a strong focus on public safety and responsible service.
Additional information
Liquor sales licensees that choose to operate vending machines that sell and serve liquor are required to comply with all requirements under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA), its Regulations, and the Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor.
The introduction of vending machines does not change a licensee’s responsibility for ensuring that liquor is sold and served safely and in accordance with the law. This includes maintaining ongoing oversight, along with appropriate staff control and supervision. The AGCO has amended the necessary standards to address the specific operational requirements unique to introducing vending machines that can sell and serve liquor in licensed establishments.
Updates to the Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor
Standard 5.11
Removes the prohibition that previously prevented liquor sales licensees from operating vending machines that sell and serve liquor.
Standard 5.16
Sets new requirements for licensees who intend to use liquor vending machines within their liquor sales licensed establishments. These requirements include mandatory notification to the AGCO, continuous oversight and staff control and appropriate supervision. In addition, the type of alcohol that can be dispensed is limited to single serving beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages and cannot include non-alcoholic or other products.
Contact and support
For more information, 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.