Moving up the date

Ontario speeds up process of selling more alcohol in more stores

Starting Thursday, July 18, 2024, licensed grocery stores in Ontario can begin selling ready-to-drink beverages and large beer pack sizes as soon as they arrive in-store.

The news comes just a day after the LCBO announced it would not be opening 32 locations across the province as workers continue to strike.

This change accelerates the government’s plan, originally set for August 1, to expand alcohol sales. This allows 450 grocery stores already licensed to sell beer, cider, or wine to offer these products earlier than planned.

The government’s initiative aims to provide more choice and convenience for consumers while supporting local beverage producers. Over 80% of ready-to-drink beverages sold in Ontario are made by local businesses. By the end of October 2024, all convenience, grocery, and big-box stores in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages, marking the largest expansion since the end of prohibition.

In addition to the new sales permissions, temporary measures will allow licensed grocery stores to display alcohol in multiple areas and enable the transfer of wine and spirits between affiliated bars and restaurants. To help consumers, a new interactive map of retailers, including over 1,000 local producers, is now available.