Beer in a coolerThe Ontario government will reportedly approve some alcohol sales at corner stores starting in 2026. (Woodkern/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images)
Chatham

Ontario convenience stores begin selling booze

Licenced convenience stores across Ontario can now sell alcohol.

The new licensees were required to wait until September 5 in order to sell beer, cider, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford previously announced plans to expand the sale of alcohol to corner stores and big box stores in 2026, as part of a 2018 campaign promise.

But plans were sped up in May.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) recently released a compliance resource page on its website for convenience and grocery store licensees.

As specified by the AGCO, licenced convenience stores will be allowed to sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week — including holidays, if the store is allowed to be open. Alcohol deliveries will be permitted between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Alcohol pickup or deliveries outside of the specified hours could result in a penalty of up to $50,000 or the suspension or revocation of the store's licence.

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