As of October 31, 2024, residents of Ottawa and across Ontario now have expanded options to purchase alcoholic beverages at major grocery stores and big-box retailers. This latest move by the Ontario government marks the final phase of an effort to make alcohol more accessible and convenient, breaking the province’s century-long, tightly controlled monopoly over alcohol sales. Here’s what you need to know about this new expansion, including the participating stores, hours of sale, and regulations.
A Landmark Move for Ontario: Alcohol Now Available at 850 Grocery Stores
The Ontario government’s initiative aims to provide more choice and convenience for consumers, boosting the number of stores licensed to sell alcohol to approximately 850 grocery stores, including popular big-box locations. Over 4,700 convenience stores, 180 gas stations, and now large grocery stores across Ontario are able to sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink beverages.
The expanded sales system introduces new choices for residents of Ottawa, where five Costco and four Walmart stores now sell alcohol, alongside various other independent and major grocery chains.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy commented on the decision, saying, “This is a big move. This is 100 years of a monopoly system we’re opening up, catching up with the rest of the world.” Premier Doug Ford also added that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to offering Ontarians greater choice and convenience in how they purchase alcohol.
Expanded Alcohol Sales Across Ottawa: Store List and Location Guide
Ottawa residents can now purchase beer, wine, cider, and other ready-to-drink options at the following participating stores:
Costco:
- 770 Silver Seven Road
- 1849 Merivale Road
- 1900 Cyrville Road
- 4315 Strandherd Drive
- 1405 Blair Road
Walmart:
- 3900 Innes Road
- 2210 Bank Street
- 1375 Baseline Road
- 5357 Fernbank Road
Farm Boy:
- 2950 Bank Street
- 2030 Tenth Line Road
- 1642 Merivale Road
- 3035 St. Joseph Boulevard
Metro:
- 1675 Tenth Line Road
- 1811 Robertson Road
- 2261 Walkley Road
- 6509 Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard
- 2515 Bank Street
- 1930 Montreal Road
- 255 Rideau Street
- 3201 Strandherd Drive
- 4510 Innes Road
Loblaws:
- 2085 Carling Avenue
- 200 Earl Gray Drive
- 1980 Baseline Road
- 3201 Greenbank Road
- 2210 Bank Street
- 363 Rideau Street
- 1460 Merivale Road
- 100 McArthur Avenue
Additional Stores:
- Real Canadian Superstore: 760 Eagleson Road, 190 Richmond Road, 4270 Innes Road
- Sobeys: 840 March Road, 5150 Innes Road, 700 Terry Fox Drive
- Food Basics: Multiple locations across Ottawa, including 5703 Hazeldean Road, 1465 Merivale Road, 667 Kirkwood Avenue
- Your Independent Grocer: Hess at 596 Montreal Road, Riley’s at 2269 Riverside Drive, Brown’s at 1251 Stittsville Main Street
This extensive list reflects the Ontario government’s commitment to broadening access across various communities, making it more convenient than ever to purchase alcoholic beverages along with daily groceries.
Operating Hours and Key Rules for Alcohol Sales in Ontario Retailers
Operating Hours: Retailers are allowed to sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.. This time window provides ample opportunity for customers to purchase beverages at their convenience. For deliveries of alcoholic products, stores must adhere to a separate schedule, allowing for alcohol deliveries only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m..
Holiday Sales: Stores that are open on holidays can continue to sell alcohol during the regular hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering flexibility even during special occasions.
Fines and Restrictions: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) enforces strict compliance, warning that any store caught selling alcohol outside of the permitted hours could face fines of up to $50,000. Additionally, retailers must follow regulations regarding container sizes, limiting single containers of beer, wine, or ready-to-drink beverages to a maximum of 5 liters and no more than 18% alcohol content.
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What This Means for Consumers and Local Businesses
This expansion reflects a significant shift in Ontario’s approach to alcohol sales, aligning with practices in other provinces and countries. This broader access aims to simplify the shopping experience for residents, as they can now pick up alcohol alongside groceries in one convenient trip. For local businesses and Ontario’s alcohol producers, this also opens new distribution channels and market opportunities.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the benefit of this initiative for both consumers and local businesses, saying, “This last phase of expansion will create new opportunities for retailers of all sizes and for Ontario producers of beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink beverages.”
For Ontario residents, this change is expected to bring added convenience and support for locally-made products. Ontario breweries, wineries, and other producers are anticipated to benefit from this increase in access, potentially enhancing both awareness and sales.
A New Era for Alcohol Sales in Ontario
The government’s expansion of alcohol sales represents a modern approach to consumer demand, emphasizing choice, convenience, and support for Ontario’s economy. With nearly 850 grocery stores, convenience stores, and now big-box retailers on board, Ontario has finally completed its long-term goal to simplify alcohol purchases across the province.
Residents are encouraged to purchase and enjoy responsibly, with an expanded variety of locally-produced beers, wines, and ciders now available right around the corner.
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