Convenience stores now selling beer, cider, ready-mix drinks in Ontario

Life in Ontario is a little more convenient for some people as grocery and convenience stores have started selling beer, cider, and ready-mix alcoholic drinks in their stores.

The Ford government has changed the rules on who can sell these products.

As of September 5, 4,187 convenience stores across Ontario are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, in addition to nearly 3,000 other licensed retail outlets as well as takeaway options from licensed bars and restaurants.

“The expansion delivers on our government's promise to give people in Ontario the same choice and convenience enjoyed by people throughout the rest of Canada,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With the recent announcement, we're also creating new opportunities to produce and sell world-class Ontario-made beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages in nearly 4,200 convenience stores across the province.”

The hours of sale for alcoholic products are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays.

“People finally have more options to responsibly and conveniently support local Ontario breweries and wineries – or whatever their drink-of-choice may be – even closer to home, and today's announcement is another milestone in the government's commitment to deliver more choice and convenience to consumers,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “In addition to supporting Ontario retailers, domestic producers and workers in the alcohol industry, our vision for a better marketplace has come to life thanks to people and businesses across the province.”

Liquor is excluded and will only remain available in the LCBO and its agency stores.

The government is also permanently allowing the transfer of wine and spirits between locations with the same owner and/or affiliated licensees in order to help bars and restaurants effectively manage inventory, and is allowing licensed grocery and convenience stores to display alcoholic beverages in multiple areas of a store, while maintaining small-producer shelf space requirements as well as policies that will continue to ensure the safe and responsible sale of alcohol.