Ontario is accelerating the expansion of alcohol sales in the province, and the move comes with up to $225 million in public funds.
Premier Doug Ford announced late last year that the sale of beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails would be allowed in convenience stores and all grocery stores by 2026.
He said on Friday that the phased expansion will now begin on 1er August, with licensed grocery stores currently selling beer, cider and wine now being able to offer ready-to-drink cocktails, as well as large packs.
After September 5, eligible convenience stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails. After October 31, all grocery and big box stores will be able to sell these products, including in large packages.
A deal the former Liberal government signed with The Beer Store in 2015, which gave the company the exclusive right to sell 12- and 24-packs of beer as the province increased its beer and wine sales to grocery stores, was set to expire at the end of 2025.
As part of this new early rollout of Ford’s plan to increase alcohol sales, an “early implementation agreement” signed with The Beer Store provides for the province to pay the company up to $225 million to support the transition, particularly to help keep stores open and workers employed.
To watch on video