Pretty soon, Ontarians will have even more destinations to buy certain alcoholic beverages from with the next phase in a rollout by the Ontario government.
While you can already buy wine and beer at some grocery stores and retailers besides the LCBO and the Beer Store, this new phase will allow consumers to be able to purchase beverages like coolers and other ready-to-drink alcoholic drinks alongside more pack sizes at grocery stores that currently sell wine or beer, starting this August.
New retailers will also be able to sell an increased selection of local, domestic and international alcohol products in a safe and responsible manner.
According to the news release, the province’s phased expansion and rollout starting this August includes the following milestones:
- 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.
According to Premier Doug Ford, the Ontario government is “delivering on our commitment to give consumers in Ontario the choice and convenience every other Canadian enjoys and we’re doing so even sooner than we had originally promised.”
“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.”
While only roughly 450 grocery stores are currently licensed to sell beer, cider, and wine, this expansion will introduce up to 8,500 new stores for consumers to purchase these products at.
For now, spirits like vodka, gin, and whisky will remain only available for purchase at the LCBO.