The change fulfils one of Premier Doug Ford’s 2018 election campaign pledges to allow the sale of booze in convenience stores.
Provincial regulator says it’s approved 4,146 convenience store licenses
More than 4,000 convenience stores across Ontario are licensed to sell alcohol as new liberalized rules come into effect next week.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) says it has approved 4,146 such licenses.
The change fulfils one of Premier Doug Ford’s 2018 election campaign pledges to allow the sale of booze in convenience stores.
Last December, he announced all convenience and grocery stores would be allowed to sell beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails by 2026.
In May, Ford announced plans to speed that up and struck a deal with The Beer Store allowing the province to break a 10-year agreement with the company in exchange for a $225 million payment.
The AGCO says it recently served a notice of suspension to a convenience store in Toronto that was allegedly selling booze before the Sept. 5 date when the regulations change.