The Ontario government has announced an earlier rollout of its plan to expand alcohol sales in the province. Starting July 18, 2024, ready-to-drink beverages, including coolers and seltzers, as well as large packs of beer, will be available in 450 licensed grocery stores across Ontario. This move comes two weeks ahead of the initially planned August 1 date.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy described the decision as “an important milestone” in modernizing Ontario’s alcohol marketplace. The government aims to increase consumer choice and convenience while supporting local beverage producers.
The accelerated timeline coincides with an ongoing strike by approximately 10,000 workers in government-controlled Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which began on July 5. The strike has resulted in the closure of hundreds of LCBO stores, prompting the government to expedite its expansion plans.
Following this initial phase, the government intends to further broaden alcohol sales. After September 5, eligible convenience stores will be permitted to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages. Big-box stores will follow suit after October 31, including the sale of large pack sizes.
The Ontario government estimates that this expansion could introduce up to 8,500 new retail locations for alcohol sales, marking the largest increase in consumer choice since the end of prohibition nearly a century ago.
However, OPSEU has criticized the move, accusing Premier Doug Ford of escalating the expansion “right in the middle of LCBO bargaining.” The union argues that the policy will affect workers’ livelihoods and public revenues, vowing to continue their fight for fair collective agreements and better policies.
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