The provincial government is accelerating its planned expansion of alcohol sales.
Ready-to-drink beverages and large beer packs will be available this Thursday at retail outlets now licensed to sell beer, cider and wine.
It was initially to take place on August 1st.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy calls it an important milestone as efforts to modernize Ontario’s alcohol marketplace take place.
“Our government is keeping our promise to give people in Ontario choice and convenience while supporting Ontario-made beverage producers across the province, including the Ontario businesses that produce more than 80% of the ready-to-drink beverages sold here in our province,” states Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, in a release.
The move also comes with the strike by unionized LCBO workers now in its second week.
The expansion of alcohol sales is a key issue in the dispute.
The province plans to allow sales in new convenience, grocery and big-box retail stores in October.
This will bring an estimated 8,500 outlets where beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink beverages can be sold.
Last week, the province launched a new online map to help consumers find those beverages.
