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:
- extending the hours for sale and service of beverage alcohol at licensed establishments (such as bars, restaurants, and golf courses), for manufacturers (wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries) with a By the Glass Licence, as well as Special Occasion Permit (SOP) events;
- removing prescribed quantities of liquor to be served to consumers under the By the Glass licence to enhance the tourist experience at manufacturing sites;
- amending the Liquor Advertising Guidelines to permit Happy Hour advertising in licensed establishments to allow licensees to advertise their promotions;
- eliminating prescribed SOP partition and food requirements, to provide permit holders with more flexibility while still meeting social responsibility objectives;
- creating a new Tailgate SOP, allowing businesses and persons 19 years of age or older to sell or serve alcohol to attendees and allowing them to bring their own alcohol to an event in connection with, and in proximity to, professional, semi-professional and postsecondary sporting events in Ontario.
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.