Ontario, May 26 – The Beer Store is preparing for significant changes as the province accelerates the expansion of retail alcohol sales, announced Premier Doug Ford on Friday.
Starting August 1, licensed grocery stores in Ontario will be permitted to sell ready-to-drink beverages and large-pack sizes of beer. By September 5, convenience stores will be able to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages. By October 31, all eligible grocery and big-box stores will join them, significantly broadening the availability of alcohol across the province.
This accelerated timeline comes as part of an agreement with The Beer Store, which will receive up to $225 million in reimbursement to facilitate these changes. An initial payment of $22.5 million will be provided to cover early implementation costs.
“The Beer Store will be transformed,” said CEO Roy Benin. “Our role as primary distributor and recycling steward will take center stage while maintaining a competitive retail footprint.”
The 2015 Master Framework Agreement, which limited the expansion of beer and wine sales and was set to expire in 2025, will be replaced under this new arrangement. The Beer Store will continue distributing beer to retailers, bars, and restaurants until at least 2031.
To accommodate the increased demand, The Beer Store will enhance its distribution fleet and network, serving approximately 10,000 private sector outlets, up from the current 1,500.
“The announcement acknowledges The Beer Store’s pivotal role as the primary distributor of beer in Ontario and underscores its unwavering commitment to responsible beer sales,” read a statement from The Beer Store. Their recycling initiatives, including the Ontario Deposit Return Program, will continue until at least 2031, ensuring sustainability within Ontario’s beverage alcohol market.
