Alcohol Sales in Ontario Convenience Stores Launched Sept 5, 2024

As of September 5, 2024, Ontarians can buy alcohol in convenience stores. Licensed stores may begin selling beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink alcohol products. Between 7am and 11pm alcohol can be purchased at more than 4,000 stores across the province.

Modernizing Ontario’s laws around liquor sales was an election promise made by Premier Doug Ford in his 2018 campaign. On August 1, 2024, the first major change to the phased rollout of legislation changes was made – allowing the 450 grocery stores already licensed to sell beer, cider and wine to also sell ready-to-drink alcohol beverages and 30-packs of beer. After October 31, 2024, all grocery stores and big-box stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine, ready-to-drink beverages, including large-pack sizes if they choose to do so and have obtained the appropriate licensing. Prior the to updates to legislation, alcohol purchases in Ontario were limited mostly to LCBO stores, Beer Stores and a few dozen grocery stores.

Impact of Alcohol in Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores

According to the September 1, 2024 Global News article “Ontario convenience stores can sell alcohol this week. Where to buy it”, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) opened up license applications to convenience stores and grocery stores on July 17, 2024. As of August 26, AGCO has issued 4,074 convenience store licenses and 159 grocery store licenses.

Terry Yaldo, owner of Midway Convenience in Windsor, called the move a “saving grace” for convenience stores, predicting that allowing alcohol sales in convenience stores will save many from closure. Yaldo also serves as chair of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA). OCSA predicts a 30-40 increase in foot traffic and sales.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) that represents LCBO workers, has fears that easier access to alcohol could increase sales to minors because of potentially fewer ID checks. OPSEU has also published a press release “Evidence mounts that Ford’s policy of alcohol convenience is bad for Ontario” citing a Canadian Medical Association Journal study that shows alcohol-related emergency room visits grew by 7% year over year from 2003-2016. The CMAJ study concluded that alcohol-related harms disproportionately affect women and young adults, stating “While further studies should focus on identifying the causes behind increases in these demographic groups, policymakers should consider increasing interventions to reduce harmful alcohol use, particularly in women and young adults.”

Need a Liquor License Consultation in BC? Thrive Advisors Has Your Back

Whether you’re hoping to get a start-up liquor business off the ground in BC, or are an existing BC liquor licensee, the liquor license consultants at Thrive Advisors provide services that save you time and money. Find out about our liquor license application services, strategic planning, and compliance audits.