Starting this fall, Ontarians will be able to purchase beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails at convenience stores and grocery stores.
On Friday, Premier Doug Ford announced that the provincial government is accelerating its plan when it comes to buying alcoholic beverages. Previously, the plan was set to be rolled out in early 2026.
“People are excited. They’re going to enjoy the same choice and convenience as other Canadians and other people across the world to buy a case of beer or a bottle of wine on the way up to the cottage or maybe you’re going to start up the grill in the backyard or summer barbecue,” Ford said at a press conference in Etobicoke Friday morning.
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Starting in August, Ontarians can purchase coolers and ready-to-drink beverages at grocery stores that currently sell wine or beer. New retailers will also be able to sell an increased selection of local, domestic and international alcohol products.
After Sept. 5, all convenience stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, and after Oct. 31, all grocery stores, convenience and big-box stores will be able to see these alcoholic beverages and in large quantities.
“This has been a true team Ontario effort. We expect that this new marketplace will introduce up to 8,500 new stores where consumers can purchase alcohol products. I want to be clear the government is creating the conditions for a more open and convenient marketplace,” Ford said.
It will be up to the individual retailers and businesses to make their own decisions about how they participate and when. This is a really exciting time for consumers and businesses. That’s because our plan will create new growth opportunities for local brewers, wineries, retailers and small businesses which are going to support local jobs,” he continued.
As a result, the provincial government is providing The Beer Store with up to $225 million in public funds over the next 19 months. The investment will go towards maintaining the locations, recycling and bottle return and other supports. Ford ensures that the money will not be going to the big retailers and will be accounted for.
“Let’s be very clear, it was a promise that we made in 2018 and we’re moving forward with it. But it’s not going directly to The Beer stores, where it’s going is to make sure that we protect The Beer Store employees to make sure they know they’re going to be taken care of,” he explained.
“We’re going to audit every single penny to make sure it’s going in the right place, so it’s not going into the big guy breweries’ pockets or anything like that. It’s going to the frontline people who we support to make sure the transition, as we go through over the next few years, The Beer Store plays a critical role in recycling and distribution and we’re going to make sure we protect the employees,” he added.
Ford emphasizes that this is a good move when it comes to controlling the brewery giants.
“We’re moving it forward. The monopoly with the three big breweries, they’re done, they’re gone. We’re going to make sure it’s convenient for people and be treated like everyone else in the country. Be treated like everyone else down in the U.S., North America, everywhere,” he said.
In addition to the Beer Store, the government says it worked closely with the LCBO, AGCO and other retailers in preparation for this expansion.
