Over 4,000 Ontario Convenience Stores to Start Selling Alcohol Next Week
Over 4,000 convenience stores in Ontario have been granted licenses to sell alcohol as part of the province’s new liberalized regulations, which will take effect next week.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced on Friday that it has approved 4,146 licenses, allowing convenience stores to sell beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails starting next Thursday.
This move fulfills a promise made by Premier Doug Ford during the 2018 election. Last December, Ford revealed that all convenience and grocery stores would be allowed to sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink cocktails by 2026. However, in May, he accelerated the timeline for corner stores, advancing the date to September 5.
The government claims that this expansion of alcohol sales will provide Ontarians with greater choice and convenience. The AGCO emphasized its commitment to ensuring that licensees adhere to their responsibilities for the safe and responsible sale of alcohol.
In a recent incident, a store in Toronto’s west end was found to have been selling alcohol before the new rules took effect. The AGCO stated that it issued a notice of suspension to the store following an unannounced inspection two weeks ago.
“As the next phase in Ontario’s expansion of the liquor retail market approaches, the AGCO is focused on ensuring licensees understand and comply with their obligations for the responsible sale of alcohol,” said Karin Schnarr, CEO of the AGCO, in a statement. “The AGCO has a wide-ranging compliance monitoring process and will take strong measures to enforce social responsibility and ensure a smooth transition to the new, expanded marketplace.”
Grocery stores already licensed to sell beer and wine were permitted to begin selling pre-mixed cocktails and large packs of beer last month. Newly licensed grocery stores will be able to sell beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails starting on October 31.
As part of the province’s alcohol sale expansion, Premier Ford negotiated a $225 million deal with The Beer Store after breaking a 10-year agreement with the company. The new agreement ensures that at least 386 Beer Store locations remain open until July 2025, with at least 300 operating until December 31, 2025. The Beer Store, owned by three international conglomerates, will also continue its well-regarded recycling program until at least 2031.
The decision to permit the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails outside of the province’s main liquor retailer sparked significant tension during summer negotiations between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and its unionized workers. Approximately 10,000 members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union went on strike in early July, citing the sale of pre-mixed cocktails in convenience stores as a potential threat to the LCBO’s future. The strike, which led to the temporary closure of 700 stores, lasted more than two weeks before both sides reached an agreement.
Several health organizations, including Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, have voiced concerns about the expansion of alcohol sales. They warn that easier access to alcohol could lead to increased dependency, chronic diseases, injuries, suicides, and impaired driving.
Premier Ford has defended the decision, arguing that the province should treat its residents “like adults.” He stated, “They have a responsibility to drink responsibly.”
As part of its broader $3.8 billion, 10-year mental health plan, the province has pledged $10 million to support social responsibility and public health initiatives related to alcohol consumption.
