“The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will be responsible for the authorization and ongoing regulatory oversight of grocery store operators selling beer and wine.

The government will also make it easier for consumers to discover products in their local community. Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wine is available at farmers’ markets and Ontario craft cider and fruit wine will be included. Cider and fruit wine will also be sold in grocery stores.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) will continue to be a modern, efficient and innovative organization that consistently strives to reach consumers in new ways.

The LCBO has already made significant progress in modernizing its operations by:

• •Launching a pilot program to sell 12-packs of beer at 10 LCBO stores;
• •Introducing specialty stores that feature beverage alcohol products from around the world; and
• •Rolling out new Craft Beer Zones to 25 LCBO locations across the province.

The LCBO has also been working to build an e-commerce platform and enhance its current retail and wholesale functions, with further details expected in the coming months.

LCBO E-Commerce Platform

The LCBO is moving forward by creating a best-in-class e-commerce open marketplace to enhance the consumer experience and provide more opportunities for suppliers.

This platform will enable beverage alcohol producers, suppliers and agents from across Canada and around the world to list their products for sale on the LCBO’s website, providing broader market access.

It will provide consumers with access to a wider variety of products, as well as the flexibility to order online and pick up products in store or have them delivered to their home.

This new platform will be operational by mid-2016.”

* excerpt from 2016 Ontario Budget Paper, Queen’s Printer for Ontario