Ontario allowing alcohol to be sold in convenience stores by 2026

Ontario consumers will soon be able to buy beer, wine and coolers at convenience and big box stores, in addition to grocery stores.

Ontario consumers will soon be able to buy beer, wine and coolers at convenience and big box stores, in addition to grocery stores.

Premier Doug Ford announced Thursday 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.

“There’s no reason why Ontario consumers shouldn’t enjoy the same convenient shopping experience as Canadians in every province when buying some wine for their holiday party or a case of beer or seltzers on their way to the cottage,” Ford said in a statement ahead of the announcement.

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.

These retailers will have to adhere to the same rules set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which says that retailers can sell booze between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., regardless of the hours they are open.

Spirits like vodka, gin and whisky will continue to be sold exclusively at the LCBO.

The Ontario government will not be renewing an agreement with owners of The Beer Store, which prevented alcohol from being sold in other stores — with the exception of 450 grocery stores across the province.