Ontario to announce plan to allow beer and wine in corner stores in 2026
The Ontario government is set to reveal a plan that expands how certain alcoholic beverages – including beer, wine, and pre-mixed cocktails – are sold in the province. The plan, which goes to cabinet on Tuesday, allows all supermarkets, convenience and corner stores, and gas stations to sell beer, wine, and canned pre-mixed cocktails starting in 2026.
One of the key changes set to be announced includes scrapping the existing cap on the number of supermarkets in the province with retail licenses, allowing all supermarkets to sell beer, wine, and ready-to-drink (RTD) packed beverages. Moreover, the plan will also eliminate the restrictions that only permit The Beer Store to sell cases of 12 and 24.
The Ontario government will address the future of its contract, known as the Master Framework Agreement (MFA), with the major companies that own The Beer Store. Signed by the Liberal government in 2015, the contract permitted the limited sale of beer in 450 grocery stores, restricting them from selling anything larger than a six-pack. The Beer Store maintained its exclusive right to sell packs of 12 and 24 beers.
Additionally, the provincial government will require stores to designate a portion of their shelf space to Ontario’s craft brewers and small-scale wineries, as per sources who spoke with CBC News.
Although changes to alcohol sales won’t take effect until January 1, 2026, following the expiration of the previous agreement at the end of 2025, this announcement paves the way for increased convenience and accessibility for consumers in the future. By allowing the sale of beer, wine, and pre-mixed cocktails in corner stores and gas stations, Ontario aims to cater to the evolving demands of its residents.
The new plan opens up opportunities for supermarkets and convenience stores across the province, potentially reshaping the retail landscape in their favor. Moreover, the removal of restrictions on beer sales, limiting them to The Beer Store, signals a more competitive market and greater choices for consumers.
With the requirement for stores to accommodate Ontario’s craft brewers and small-scale wineries, this announcement could also prove to be a boon for local businesses and help promote the growth of the craft beer and wine industries within the province.
It is important to note that these changes are still subject to formal approval and will be implemented gradually over the coming years. However, the announcement itself indicates the government’s commitment to modernizing the province’s alcohol retail system and ensuring that it aligns with the needs and preferences of consumers.
Overall, Ontario’s plan to allow the sale of beer, wine, and pre-mixed cocktails in corner stores and gas stations represents a significant shift in the province’s alcohol retail landscape. If approved and implemented, this change will enhance convenience for consumers, increase competitiveness in the market, and promote the growth of local businesses in the craft beer and wine sectors.
