A craft brewer in Ontario is applauding a plan by the province government to increase the number of grocery and convenience stores in the province that sell beer, wine, and other low-alcohol beverages.

Convenience, supermarket, and big-box stores that participate will be allowed to offer beer, wine, cider, seltzers, coolers, and ready-to-drink cocktails starting on January 1, 2026. According to a press release issued by the government earlier this month, Ontario would follow Quebec as the second province in Canada to accomplish this.

According to the government, the change will allow sales to reach an estimated 8,500 outlets.

“Not just for us, but any craft brewer, it means an extra 8,000-plus points of distribution,” said Graydon Lau, owner of Quayle’s Brewery in Oro-Medonte. “That’s an awesome opportunity. Who wouldn’t want that to happen?”

There won’t be any limitations on case size under the expansion. Beer will be available for purchase in 24- or even 30-packs from any merchant, but spirits will only be distributed by the LCBO, which will also continue to provide lower-ABV (alcohol by volume) beverages.

Prior to Premier Doug Ford’s announcement earlier this month, Ministry of Finance workers informed the media in a technical briefing that alcohol will be available for purchase by new merchants seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

As things stand, Lau explained, obtaining his product into The Beer Store or the LCBO requires submitting an application to the latter, via which breweries, whether new or established, can request to have their products featured in stores for the first time, during a special season, or both.

Read the full story HERE, written by Greg McGrath-Goudie

SOURCE: BayToday.ca
PHOTO CREDIT: Greg McGrath-Goudie/OrilliaMatters