New provincial liquor regulations welcome news for local craft brewers
CTV
Many local beer and wine producers say the upcoming changes to how Ontario manages the sale of certain alcohol will have a significant and positive impact for many local producers.
Many local beer and wine producers say the upcoming changes to how Ontario manages the sale of certain alcohols will have a significant and positive impact for local producers.
On Thursday, Premier Doug Ford announced that up to 8,500 new stores will be allowed to sell alcohol by 2026, fulfilling a long-time campaign promise first made by the Progressive Conservatives during the 2018 election campaign.
Beginning no later than January 2026, individuals will be able to purchase beer, wine, cider, coolers, seltzers and “other low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages” at participating retailers. Officials say this includes all convenience stores, including those located at gas stations.
The province also announced a number of “transitional and time-limited” supports for local producers of alcohol, including extending dedicated shelf space across all new retailers for craft products.
For local craft brewers such as Kitchissippi Beer Co. in Ottawa, the move is a welcome and long-anticipated decision.
"The distribution is literally going to be blown up and go far and wide," said Paul Meek, the owner of Kitchissippi Beer.
"Instead of shipping to 600 LCBO’s, we could be shipping to thousands and thousands of convenient stores. We know this is a great opportunity."
