The Ontario government has announced that ready-to-drink beverages, such as coolers and seltzers, as well as large packs of beer, will be available in grocery stores across the province ahead of schedule. Originally planned for August 1st, Ontarians will now be able to purchase these types of alcohol starting on July 18th. This decision is part of the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales to grocery, convenience, and big-box stores in Ontario. Currently, there are 450 grocery stores licensed to sell beer, cider, or wine, and they will be able to sell these new products once they arrive in store.
The acceleration of this plan comes at a time when the union representing 9,000 LCBO workers has been on strike since July 5th, leading to the closure of hundreds of stores. The LCBO had initially planned to open a limited number of retail stores for shopping over the weekend but ultimately decided to scrap the plan in order to focus on better serving Ontario bars and restaurants. With no end in sight to the strike, the introduction of alcohol sales in grocery stores serves as a way to provide consumers with more options for purchasing alcohol during this time of instability within the LCBO.
This shift in the timeline for expanding alcohol sales is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the alcohol retail system in Ontario. By allowing grocery stores to sell a wider range of alcohol products, consumers will have greater convenience and choice when it comes to purchasing beverages. The decision to bring the availability of ready-to-drink beverages and large packs of beer forward to July 18th reflects the government’s commitment to providing Ontarians with more options for accessing alcohol, especially in light of the ongoing LCBO strike.
In addition to ready-to-drink beverages and large packs of beer, the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales to grocery stores, convenience stores, and big-box stores also includes making other changes to the alcohol retail system in Ontario. These changes could involve allowing additional types of alcohol products to be sold in these locations, as well as potentially increasing the number of licensed stores that are able to sell alcohol. By modernizing the alcohol retail system in this way, the government aims to make it easier for consumers to purchase alcohol while also supporting businesses that sell these products.
As the union representing LCBO workers remains on strike, the closure of hundreds of stores has been disruptive for both consumers and businesses in Ontario. With the introduction of alcohol sales in grocery stores happening ahead of schedule, Ontarians will have more options for purchasing alcohol during this time of uncertainty. By expanding the availability of alcohol products to grocery stores, the government is helping to ensure that consumers have access to the beverages they desire while also supporting businesses that are able to sell them. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the alcohol retail system in Ontario and providing consumers with more convenient and diverse options for purchasing alcohol.
