The Government of Ontario has announced that licensed grocery stores will be able to order ready-to-drink beverages and large beer pack sizes starting Thursday, July 18, 2024, and begin selling them immediately upon arrival in store.
As the exclusive wholesaler to grocery stores, LCBO is pleased to share that customers can expect to see RTD products and large-pack sizes of beer on some shelves as early as next week.
The facts
- There are currently up to 448 licensed grocery stores in Ontario who are able to sell beverage alcohol.
- Individual grocery stores decide what products they want to sell in alignment with their alcohol licence, so product availability may differ from store-to-store.
- Individual grocery stores decide when they want to start selling.
- Grocers can select from more than 80 eligible low-alcohol RTD products and more than 160 large-pack sizes of beer — in addition to their current selection of beer, cider or wine — with more products being added regularly.
- Other grocery stores and convenience stores interested in selling beverage alcohol products, can apply through the AGCO to become a licensed retailer and start selling alcohol no earlier than September 5 (convenience stores) or October 31 (grocery stores).
If you have any questions, please contact lcbogroceryoperations@lcbo.com.