It’s happening sooner than expected.
Beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails will be available in Ontario corner stores this fall.
Premier Doug Ford announced the move today, which he says means convenience for the people of Ontario.
As of August 1, grocery stores that already sell alcohol will be able to add ready to drink cocktails to their shelves. These grocery stores will also be able to start offering consumers large-pack sizes like the 30-pack that is popular in Quebec.
They’ll start the rollout at convenience stores on September 5th and by the end of October 2024, every convenience, grocery and big-box store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages if they choose to do so.
Adding thousands of new stores who could potentially sell notes Ford.
Retailers across the province can apply for licenses in the coming weeks. They’ll be able to sell it from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The Beer Store will get public funding to stay open, support recycling, bottle returns, and adapt to the new rules.
Spirits will still only be sold at the LCBO.
