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Premier Doug Ford has just announced that his mission to bring alcohol to thousands of convenience, grocery and big box stores across Ontario is now complete, with the addition of libations to Costco shelves serving as part of the last phase of the rollout.
What and when?
As of Thursday, all of the retailers newly-licensed under our expanded booze sale laws — which amounts to around 4,700 convenience stores and 850 grocery stores —are permitted to offer wine, beer, cider, and canned cocktails such as seltzers. This includes, yes, all Costco locations in the province.
What else has changed?
The new rules in effect today also mean “more flexibility” for how stores can display this inventory, and also some adjustments for grocers like Loblaws who have already been allowed to sell select adult drinks for nearly a decade.
Licensed supermarkets and big box stores can now also stock “large pack” sizes, though it appears that Costco, like its competitors, will be limited to cases rather than the bulk format that the wholesaler is known for (and that many joked about it selling alcohol in upon hearing the news).
📢 Great news, Ontario!
Starting today, all grocery and big-box stores are now able to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, including large pack sizes. As we launch the last phase of the expansion, we are creating new opportunities for local retailers… pic.twitter.com/7jFnKjzEfG
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 31, 2024
“We promised to give the people of Ontario choice and convenience when buying and selling alcoholic beverages — this last phase of expansion will create new opportunities for retailers of all sizes and for Ontario producers,” Ford touted in a release this morning.
“I hope everyone gets the chance to pick up one of these fantastic Ontario-made products and enjoy responsibly.”
Caveats and where to buy
It is worth noting that this latest step doesn’t mean that all licensed outlets will have the product available just yet, only that they are legally able to.
The province has created a map showing where alcohol can now be purchased, counting wineries, breweries, distilleries, LCBOs and Beer Stores, as well as the new providers.
Costs
The government adds that it will be evaluating all taxes, markups and other fees for brews and bottles before the end of the year to help “promote a more competitive marketplace for producers and consumers.”
You can find a quick comparison of customer-facing prices for alcohol at the LCBO and certain convenience stores here.
