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In a first since prohibition started in 1916, licensed Ontario corner stores will legally be able to sell some alcoholic products from their shelves starting on Thursday. Queen’s Park is ushering in a new booze policy on the heels of changes they’ve already rolled out to allow sales of beer and wine in grocery stores. Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT’S NEW
More than 4,000 convenience stores across the province will now sell wine, beer, cider and ready-to-drink mixed cocktails, joining the province’s 3,000 licensed vendors, as well as take-out alcoholic beverages at licensed bars and restaurants. Corner stores can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. but staff have to be equipped with training like SmartServe. Customers will also have to have their ID checked if they appear younger than 19.
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WHAT’S NOT
Convenience stores still won’t be allowed to sell spirits such as rye, gin, vodka or whiskey, which will remain only on the shelves of the LCBO. The Beer Store will continue the provincewide recycling program for alcoholic beverage containers until at least 2031. Corner stores will not take back empties.
WHY NOW?
The Ford government’s recent expansion of alcohol sales is about giving consumers “more choice and convenience” as well as supporting businesses and helping to promote Ontario’s breweries and wineries, officials say. The plan began during the 2018 election run-up and the policy came to fruition during the winter. Ten per cent of wine on convenience-store shelves must be from small Ontario wineries and 20 per cent of beer, cider and cocktails must be produced in Ontario. By the end of October 2024, the government plans to allow every eligible convenience, grocery and big-box grocery store in to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages if they so choose.
THE BIG PICTURE
While the move has been heralded by some as a way to boost sales and foot traffic for convenience stories, others such as addiction experts and road-safety advocates are not as happy about it. The union representing LCBO workers fears the increased access to alcohol may mean fewer ID checks because staff are busier, meaning more alcohol ends up in the hands of children.
WHERE TO FIND CORNERSTORE VENDORS
Click here for a map of where to buy booze in London, across Southwestern Ontario and all over the province.
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