More Than 4,000 Ontario Convenience Stores to Start Selling Liquor in Early September

Over 4,000 convenience stores in Ontario will be able to sell alcohol as new licensing rules take effect on Sept. 5.
The move is part of an election promise that Premier Doug Ford made in 2018 to expand liquor sales.
As part of the change, convenience stores will be permitted to apply for a licence to sell beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails. The licence does not allow the sale of spirits, such as vodka, gin, or whisky.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) said that, as of Aug. 26, it had approved 4,074 liquor licences for convenience stores and another 159 licences for grocery stores.
Investigators from AGCO made an unannounced stop at Mabelle Tuck Shop on Aug. 16 after receiving information that the store was selling alcohol. In addition to alcohol, they found the store was also selling spirits, which are not permitted even with a liquor licence, AGCO said.
“The AGCO Inspector found that the licensee was retailing liquor they had not purchased via official LCBO channels using their business account,” the release said.
The store was given a 21-day suspension on its alcohol retail licence and its lottery retailer registration.
After Oct. 31, all grocery and big box stores will be able to get a licence to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages, the release said.
The government said the move allows Ontario consumers to have more choice and convenience when it comes to purchasing alcohol.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union and LCBO signed a back-to-work agreement on July 20, with stores re-opening on July 23.