The government has committed to modernizing the rules for the retail and consumption of beverage alcohol in Ontario, and in November 2018, announced that it would develop options to let corner stores, big-box stores, and more grocery stores, sell beer and wine.
Shortly thereafter, the government launched a public consultation on the sale and consumption of beverage alcohol. Over 33,000 consumers, businesses, beverage alcohol producers, public health and safety organizations, retailers, restaurants and bars provided feedback that will inform the government’s plans for liquor reform.
Consistent with the government’s objective of improved consumer choice and enabling opportunities for businesses, in December 2018, the AGCO began allowing the Beer Store, the LCBO, off-site winery retail stores and authorized grocery stores to sell beverage alcohol from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Prior to that change, alcohol could only be sold between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
In addition, as of March 31, 2019, the AGCO has provided 363 grocery stores across Ontario with authorizations to sell beer, cider and/or wine. Of these:
- 70 are authorized to sell beer and wine only
- 293 are authorized to sell beer and cider only.
Of these stores, 68 also have a wine boutique authorization, which allows an independent wine boutique to operate within a grocery store.
As the government implements its plan for alcohol reform, the AGCO will continue to work with the government and stakeholders on these alcohol modernization initiatives.