More Than 4,000 Ontario Convenience Stores to Start Selling Liquor in Early September

Ontario Premier Doug Ford arrives to make an announcement at a convenience store in Toronto on Dec. 14, 2023. Over 4,000 convenience stores in Ontario will be able to sell alcohol as new licensing rules take effect on Sept. 5. The Canadian Press/Chris Young

Over 4,000 convenience stores in Ontario will be able to sell alcohol as new licensing rules take effect on Sept. 5.

The move is part of an election promise that Premier Doug Ford made in 2018 to expand liquor sales.

As part of the change, convenience stores will be permitted to apply for a licence to sell beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails. The licence does not allow the sale of spirits, such as vodka, gin, or whisky.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) said that, as of Aug. 26, it had approved 4,074 liquor licences for convenience stores and another 159 licences for grocery stores.

The application process opened on June 17. Convenience stores are required to purchase items for sale from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

AGCO has also developed a compliance resource page for both convenience stores and grocery stores where vendors can find regulations and other information.

One convenience store in Toronto has already had its licence suspended after investigators found it was selling alcohol before Sept. 5, according to an Aug. 28 AGCO news release.

Investigators from AGCO made an unannounced stop at Mabelle Tuck Shop on Aug. 16 after receiving information that the store was selling alcohol. In addition to alcohol, they found the store was also selling spirits, which are not permitted even with a liquor licence, AGCO said.

“The AGCO Inspector found that the licensee was retailing liquor they had not purchased via official LCBO channels using their business account,” the release said.

The store was given a 21-day suspension on its alcohol retail licence and its lottery retailer registration.

“As the next phase in Ontario’s expansion of the liquor retail market approaches, the AGCO is focused on ensuring licensees understand and comply with their obligations for the responsible sale of alcohol,” CEO and registrar Karin Schnarr said. “The AGCO has a wide-ranging compliance monitoring process and will take strong measures to enforce social responsibility and ensure a smooth transition to the new, expanded marketplace.”

Campaign Promise

In May, the Ford government announced that it would be rolling out its plan to expand liquor sales to grocery convenience and big box stores by October.

Grocery stores were permitted to apply for a licence and sell some alcohol products starting on Aug. 1. The products include beer, cider, or wine, along with ready-to-drink beverages. Large consumer-size packs, including the 30-pack, will also be available at grocery stores, according to a May 24 Ontario government news release.

After Oct. 31, all grocery and big box stores will be able to get a licence to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages, the release said.

The government said the move allows Ontario consumers to have more choice and convenience when it comes to purchasing alcohol.

Workers at Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores went on strike in July because of concerns that the expansion of liquor sales would threaten jobs and public revenue.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union and LCBO signed a back-to-work agreement on July 20, with stores re-opening on July 23.