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)
Midwestern

Direct-to-consumer alcohol sales soon available across most of Canada

Soon, Canadians will be able to buy alcohol directly from out-of-province brewers, wineries, and distilleries.

Nine premiers have agreed to make legislative changes allowing direct-to-consumer alcohol sales. In Charlottetown on Tuesday, they signed an historic agreement allowing sales between their individual jurisdictions.

Only Quebec and Yukon opted out, although those premiers say they may join the agreement later.

"In the face of President Trump's latest tariffs, it's more important than ever that Team Canada work together to build a more united, resilient, and self-reliant Canadian economy," said Premier Doug Ford. "Today's agreement will open new markets and new choice and convenience for producers and customers in Ontario and across Canada."

The agreement is part of a larger effort to tear down interprovincial trade barriers and unlock $200-billion in untapped economic potential.

Ontario and Saskatchewan led the effort, building on last year's Memorandum of Understanding. Negotiations ended earlier this year.

Before the agreement, Ontario consumers were only allowed to buy alcoholic beverages from another province if the products were listed by the LCBO, ordered through the LCBO's Private Ordering Program, or bought in another province and transported to Ontario for personal use.

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