Convenience Stores Across Niagara Can Now Sell Beer, Wine, Cider and Ready-to-Drink Beverages
Beamsville – Starting today, all licensed convenience stores in Ontario can sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, marking the largest expansion of consumer choice and convenience in provincial alcohol sales since the end of prohibition almost 100 years ago. As of September 5, 4,187 convenience stores across Ontario, including local retailers in Niagara, are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, in addition to nearly 3,000 other licensed retail outlets, as well as takeaway options from licensed bars and restaurants.
“One of my first commitments as Niagara’s voice to Queen’s Park was to champion important regulatory changes to help local grape growers and farm families thrive and prosper,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“The grape and wine sector supports critical rural economic development, both in Niagara and across the province. Today’s expansion of sales to convenience stores uncorks the potential of local craft wineries, cideries and breweries, bringing good-paying jobs and prosperity to our region.”
“Today’s expansion delivers on our government’s promise to give people in Ontario the same choice and convenience enjoyed by people throughout the rest of Canada,” said Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.
“With today’s announcement, we are also creating new opportunities to produce and sell world-class Ontario-made beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages in nearly 4,200 convenience stores across the province.”
The government’s phased expansion, which began earlier this year, is giving customers across Ontario more choice and convenience, supporting businesses and helping to promote Ontario-made beverage producers. By the end of October 2024, as part of the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales, every eligible convenience, grocery and big-box grocery store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages if they choose to do so.
Licensed convenience stores in Niagara West include:
- Buzby’s Variety, Beamsville
- Pioneer On the Run, Beamsville
- Costcan Liquor, Beamsville
- Avondale Convenience Store, Fonthill
- Esso Fonthill Gas & Snacks, Fonthill
- Shell Shop, Fenwick
- Esso Convenience Store, Jordan
- Canadian Tire Gas Convenience Store, Grimsby
- Daisy Mart, Grimsby
- Happy One Stop Convenience Store, Grimsby
- Hasty Market, Grimsby
- Mountain Convenience, Grimsby
- Waypoint Convenience, Grimsby
- Avondale Food Stores, Smithville
- Buzby’s Variety, Smithville
- Mobil Convenience Store, Smithville
- Regional Variety & Gas Bar, St. Catharines
- Esso Convenience Store, Wainfleet
- Esso Convenience Store, Wellandport
- All Ways Convenience, Vineland
“People finally have more options to responsibly and conveniently support local Ontario breweries and wineries – or whatever their drink-of-choice may be – even closer to home, and today’s announcement is another milestone in the government’s commitment to deliver more choice and convenience to consumers,” said Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.
“In addition to supporting Ontario retailers, domestic producers and workers in the alcohol industry, our vision for a better marketplace has come to life thanks to people and businesses across the province.”
The government is also permanently allowing the transfer of wine and spirits between locations with the same owner and/or affiliated licensees to help bars and restaurants effectively manage inventory and is allowing licensed grocery and convenience stores to display alcoholic beverages in multiple areas of a store, while maintaining small-producer shelf space requirements as well as policies that will continue to ensure the safe and responsible sale of alcohol.
The government will continue to work closely with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and The Beer Store, in addition to consulting and meeting with industry partners, local beverage alcohol producers and other stakeholders as it completes the launch of this new marketplace.
“Ontario Craft Wineries would like to thank the Ontario government for their proactive consultation with us throughout the retail modernization process,” said Richard Linley, President of Ontario Craft Wineries.
“We have long supported an expanded market and today’s expansion will allow us to get more local Ontario grown wine into the hands of Ontario consumers. More choice and convenience for consumers also means more opportunity for local wineries to grow and reinvest in their businesses, which is a win for our communities. Positioned for success, our members look forward to working with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and our new retail partners to grow the Ontario VQA wine industry.”
“Grape Growers of Ontario welcome the news that the Ontario government is moving forward with an expanded and more modern beverage alcohol marketplace,” said Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair of Grape Growers of Ontario.
“The availability of Ontario wine across the province is great news for wine lovers and a tremendous growth opportunity for Ontario grape growers and the province’s economy.”
“As both a store owner and President of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, I am excited to announce that convenience store owners across Ontario are eager to begin offering beverage alcohol in our stores as of today,” said Kenny Shim, President of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association.
“This long-awaited opportunity represents a significant advancement for our industry and has the potential to substantially increase foot traffic, thereby enhancing the overall performance of our businesses.”