Ontario Costco Stores Receive Liquor Licenses, Begin Alcohol Sales on Halloween

Ontario will head out to buy beer, wine, or ready-to-drink cocktails at grocery and big-box stores, Costco will soon be an option. The retail chain recently obtained new liquor licenses, adding its locations to the list of stores authorized to sell alcohol.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) confirmed it issued 412 new grocery store liquor licenses as of October 29. Public data from the AGCO shows that at least 41 Costco locations received licenses back in July, but sales could only begin as of October 31, when all eligible stores were allowed to start selling alcohol.

These Costco stores join about 450 other grocery stores in Ontario that have been selling beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails since August 1. Costco’s licensed locations span the province, from Windsor in the south to Ottawa in the east.

This move adds to the expansion of liquor sales in Ontario. Since September 5, convenience stores have also been licensed to sell alcohol, with 4,707 locations approved by the AGCO.

Costco and other stores must follow specific regulations for selling alcohol. Alcohol purchased through a business account with the LCBO must be sold in its original packaging. Beer, cider, and ready-to-drink beverages are limited to a maximum of 7.1% alcohol content by volume, while wine is capped at 18%. Additionally, containers cannot exceed five liters.

The AGCO mandates that at least 20% of beer and cider stock come from small producers, and at least 10% of wine from small wineries. For ready-to-drink options, 20% must come from small breweries, wineries, or distilleries.

Costco will also adhere to regulated sale hours, with alcohol only available between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.