Starting yesterday, convenience stores across Ontario can sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. This change marks the biggest expansion of alcohol sales in the province since prohibition ended nearly 100 years ago. As of September 5th, a total of 4,187 convenience stores now have a license to sell alcohol, adding to the nearly 3,000 other licensed outlets and takeout options from bars and restaurants.
Premier Doug Ford stated that this expansion keeps a promise to provide Ontario residents with the same choices as people in other parts of Canada. He also mentioned that this move creates more opportunities for Ontario-made beer, wine, and other drinks to be sold across almost 4,200 convenience stores.
The government began expanding alcohol sales earlier this year, and this effort will continue to give people more choices while supporting local businesses and producers.
The government plans to keep working with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), The Beer Store, and other industry partners as it continues to roll out this new system.
Written by: K. Milhomens