Ontarians will soon be able to buy alcohol in convenience stores following a phased roll-out over the course of 2024. Grocery and big-box stores will also be able to sell a wider selection of alcoholic beverages.
“In the coming weeks and months, people in Ontario, like many Canadians across the country, will have the option to responsibly and conveniently purchase a case of beer or a bottle of wine on their way up to the cottage or to a summer barbecue, all while having even more opportunity to support local Ontario breweries and wineries,” says Premier Doug Ford.
The phased roll-out will begin later this month:
- On August 1, 2024, the up to 450 grocery stores that are currently licensed to sell beer, cider or wine will also be able to sell ready-to-drink beverages. These grocery stores will also be able to start offering consumers large-pack sizes like the 30-pack that is popular in Quebec.
- After September 5, 2024, all eligible convenience stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
- After October 31, 2024, all eligible grocery and big-box stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink beverages, including in large pack sizes.
“Our responsible and balanced approach treats Ontario consumers like adults by giving them more choice and convenience, while also supporting Ontario retailers, domestic producers and workers in the alcohol industry,” said Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy.
The Ontario government will also be providing The Beer Store with up to $225 million to make what it calls “necessary investments” over the next 19 months to help with the transition to this expanded alcohol marketplace.
Alongside this, the government announced last December that they would be spending an additional $10 million to help promote social responsibility and public health efforts, specifically aimed at the consumption of alcohol.
