Making alcohol more obtainable for Ontarians has been in the works for nearly three years, but beer drinkers will finally have a reason to celebrate next month.
Six-packs will arrive on store shelves at up to 60 Ontario grocery stores by December. The provincial government announced on November 18 the initial winning bidders in the license auction, which closed earlier this month.
Among the successful grocers are major chains – including Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, and Walmart – as well as more than half a dozen independently owned retailers, such as Coppa’s Fresh Market, Pino’s Get Fresh, and Starsky Find Foods.
“We are moving quickly to ensure that beer will be sold in grocery stores in a socially responsible manner,” Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, stated in a news release.
The winning bidders still face one more bureaucratic hurdle before being able to stock suds. Companies will need to authorize individual store locations through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. If any of the initial bidders have their applications denied, additional bidders will be invited to come forward.
While up to 60 locations will be authorized in 2015, the Ontario government plans on extending the program to 450 grocery stores over the next few years. Available beer brands will include large and small brewers, and pricing will be consistent with beer sold at the Beer Store and LCBO.
“Using the existing low-cost distribution system keeps Ontario’s beer prices below the Canadian average while offering greater ability to fund key government services and programs that people rely on,” says Sousa.
Despite today’s announcement, oenophiles are still waiting for wine to hit grocery stores. Complicated trade rules have delayed the province on the process until 2016.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
