Ontario’s finance minister is pushing back against grocery stores that say they aren’t ready to take empty alcohol containers, warning them to follow the rules or give up the right to sell booze.
For months, grocery stores have raised concerns about a new rule that will soon require them to accept and recycle empty cans and bottles. The change was announced last year when Premier Doug Ford’s government expanded alcohol sales beyond the Beer Store.
The policy means grocery stores will have to offer the same deposit return services the Beer Store currently provides. Industry groups say the shift will be difficult, pointing to food safety risks, lack of space, and extra staffing needs. Some stores have even suggested they might give up their alcohol licences rather than deal with empties.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy dismissed the complaints, saying grocers agreed to the terms when they signed up to sell alcohol. “They all signed up, they benefited from increased choice in their stores, and we fully expect them to put recycling in place,” he said on Friday.
“My message to the grocers is: comply or give the licence back — your choice.”
The new requirement is tied to the Ford government’s decision to end the Beer Store’s monopoly and allow alcohol sales in more places, including convenience and big box stores. The government set aside $225 million to support the Beer Store and limit closures until January 1, 2026.
Since then, the Beer Store has already closed most of the outlets it was allowed to, while promising to keep 300 locations open until at least early 2026. After that, the future is unclear.
It’s not yet known if grocers will follow through on their threat to stop selling alcohol. Bethlenfalvy said he is confident they will adjust. “I think it’s about time the grocers stepped up,” he said. “I’m confident they’ll see the light and they’ll step up.”
